Courtesy: UEFA.com


Duarte plans to build on Porto legacy

Monday 11 January 2010

by Paul Saffer

Portugal coach Orlando Duarte is hoping his side can build on their showing as 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship hosts when they compete in this year's finals in Hungary.

'Great event'
Duarte's charges reached the semi-finals in Porto three years ago, only being knocked out out on penalties by eventual winners Spain – with whom Portugal are drawn in Group D this time, along with debutants Belarus. It was the first time Portugal had got so far in European competition and Duarte, in charge since 2000, believes it was an important step, telling uefa.com: "It was a great event in Porto. Futsal is growing, people know our players and teams better and talk about it much more than before the 2007 EURO."

Spain challenge
However, the coach knows just making the quarter-finals of the expanded tournament will be tough this time. "I personally know nothing about Belarus, but I've been told they have a strong, emerging team, with quality," he said. "[Spain] are our neighbours and we know each other very well. They are the best organised team in the world, even more than Brazil. I admire the work of their coaches. They always have good teams and so many candidates for places."

Domestic gulf
The strength of Spain's domestic scene also gives them an advantage. "Unfortunately in Portugal we only have two professional teams," Duarte said. "In Spain the clubs in the top division are all professional and a lot in the second division are too. That is our reality."




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