Courtesy: FAI Futsal Portal


Benfica claim UEFA Futsal Cup

Tuesday, 04 May 2010

SL Benfica claimed their first UEFA Futsal Cup thanks to an extra-time winner from Davi against holders Interviú Madrid.

Benfica recovered from going behind to Marquinho's early effort with goals from Joel Queirós and Arnaldo. Although Betão forced extra time for Jesús Candelas's side, Davi poked in to send the majority of the competition-record 9,400 crowd inside the Pavilhão Atlántico into raptures.

Playing in a repeat of the two-legged 2004 final, which Interviú won for the first of their record three titles, both sides probed for openings in the early stages. It was visiting pivot Betão who created the game's first chance, manoeuvring through the hosts' defence before drilling a shot against the outside of the post.

At the other end, Spain goalkeeper Luis Amado was reproducing his typically superb form from Interviú's semi-final defeat of Araz Naxçivan on Friday, beating away fiercely struck efforts from César Paulo and Arnaldo. Having soaked up Benfica pressure, Interviú took the lead when Marquinho countered and cleverly slotted through the legs of Bébé in the seventh minute.

With the help of the passionate home support Benfica responded after Joel Queirós was awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area. The forward positioned himself to accept Ricardinho's short pass before blasting in his 12th goal of the competition, leaving him as top scorer, an honour he also shared for Portugal at the UEFA European Futsal Championship finals in January.

Shortly after the restart it was Benfica who took the lead. From another well-worked set-piece, Ricardinho fed César Paulo, who, in turn, back-heeled for Arnaldo to score. The advantage would last only three minutes, though, as Betão produced a back-heel of his own with Bébé out of position.

Continually demonstrating why his injury absence from Futsal EURO was a real loss for Portugal, Ricardinho's exceptional footwork was a constant threat to Interviú, providing chances for Davi and Joel which Amado did well to save. As the half progressed more chances came Benfica's way and they were unlucky not to go in front when César Paulo's chip landed on the crossbar.

The game progressed into extra time, where Davi – a 2005 winner with Action 21 Charleroi, also after an additional ten minutes – soon pounced on Amado's loose pass before striking past the despairing goalkeeper. Now the home fans sensed that victory was theirs and it was eventually achieved under the gaze of the famous Benfica eagle perched behind the visiting goal.



Courtesy: FAI Futsal Portal


Irish players delighted for Benfica’s Futsal triumph

Tuesday, 04 May 2010

Members of the Irish Futsal team were cheering on the Benfica team in the recent UEFA Futsal Cup final in Lisbon. Members of the team including Mark Langtry, and Ian Byrne remembered fondly their experience of playing against the Benfica U21 team in 2007. Some of the players who played that day played in the UEFA Futsal Cup final last week.



One of those marquee players who played in 2007 against Ireland was Portuguese superstar, Ricardinho (pictured above with Mark Langtry) who played a key role in last week’s victory of the Portuguese giants over World Club Champions, Interviu Madrid. It was one of the first games organised for the Irish team and the Irish youngsters certainly received a fantastic Futsal lesson from the master Ricardinho during their trip. Although Benfica won the game 6-0, the Irish youngsters gained invaluable experience from the game against their Portuguese hosts and Irish player Ian Byrne remembers:“I couldn’t believe how quick Ricardinho’s feet were. He was beating players for fun and he played always with a cheeky smile on his face. He was a joy to watch and all of the lads were delighted to have shared the pitch with him. He was also a very friendly guy which is why we’re delighted for him and the Benfica lads because they treated us so well when we were only just starting out as a team.”Indeed, an experience to remember for the Irish youngsters who hope to someday experience even a little bit of UEFA Futsal Cup success. Irish skipper Mark Langtry is a member of current Irish Champions Sporting Fingal who will be in the draw for the next edition of the UEFA Futsal Cup.Said Mark: “Seeing last week’s final which was played in front of 10,000 passionate supporters just shows how big and important the UEFA Futsal Cup competition is. Some of the biggest Futsal stars in Europe have yet to play in it such as Fernandao of Barcelona! It will be a privilege to play in the competition.”



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