Russia's FIFA Futsal World Cup history began inauspiciously in 1992, when a poor defensive record of 16 goals conceded in three matches meant elimination at the group stage. A turnaround in Spain four years later saw the Russians claim a third spot. Russia's most recent appearance on the world stage came at the 2000 finals in Guatemala, where they took fourth after a 4–2 defeat to Portugal in the third-place play-off. At the UEFA Futsal Championship in late 2007, a new generation finished third.[citation needed]
Russia was drawn in a group of three nations in qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008, but after France withdrew at the last minute, the berth in the next round was decided in a single eliminator against Serbia. The Russians won 3–2. At the final tournament, Russia was drawn in Group A. Russia finished second and qualified for the second round. This time Russia was drawn in Group F. After losing to Spain in the opening match, Russia went on to scrape through to set up a semi-final against Brazil. However, Russia was unable to past Brazil and eventually placed fourth after losing out to Italy in the Third place playoff final.[citation needed]
