Courtesy: UEFA.com


Benedito reaches century while Spain win twice

Thursday 15 January 2009

by Hugo Pietra & Paul Bryan

Portugal goalkeeper João Benedito earned his 100th cap this week while Spain look in ominous form as the leading 2010 UEFA European Futsal Championship contenders continue their preparations for qualifyingm which takes place from 19-22 February.

'Tremendous pride'
Benedito, whose debut was in 2000, brought up a century of international appearances on Monday when Portugal defeated Belgium 6-1 in Beja with goals from Israel, Marinho, Pedro Cary, Arnaldo, Jardel and Marcelinho. "Completing 100 games is a very important milestone for me professionally and personally," the 30-year-old Benedito said. "It is a source of tremendous pride and a dose of confidence for my career. I hope this personal achievement could end in a team success like a [FIFA Futsal] World Cup or a European Championship."

Draw
The teams moved on to Aljustrel on Tuesday and Benedito was again in goal as Portugal drew 2-2, efforts from Ricardinho and Israel late in each half quickly cancelled out each time by André Oliveira and Karim Chaibai. Portugal will stage EURO qualifying Group 6 in Viana do Castelo with Poland and Azerbaijan among their rivals, while Belgium will welcome Serbia, F.Y.R. Macedonia and a side from the preliminary round to Antwerp in Group 5.

Spain in form
Holders Spain face Slovakia and Moldova in Group 2 in Granada and the reigning champions' opponents had the size of their task confirmed when José Venancio López's side won 6-2 and 5-1 in the Netherlands this week. In the first game Fernandao, Carlos Ortiz and Jorge Matamoros all scored twice while Kees Thies claimed two consolations. In the second match Javi Rodríguez and Jordi Torras both registered twice either side of a Borja Blanco goal before Jamal El Ghannouti pulled one back late on.

Positive experience
López said: "The games with the Netherlands served us well in terms of our preparation for the next important date in our calendar, which is EURO qualification. It's vital to play away from home because the demands the team faces are closer to those they will face in real competition. It's a very positive thing to do, especially for the younger players as it helps them to gain more experience." Among other friendlies this week, the Czech Republic won 1-0 in Hungary and Ukraine prevailed 6-4 in Poland. Eleven teams will join hosts Hungary in the finals from 18-30 January 2010.

Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com