An unbelievable comeback in the very last minutes (the 50 minutes which characterize russian futsal!) of the game gave Gazprom Ugra the expected (but so hard!) win over Norilsky Nickel. That was the debut of Ugra side in the russian superleague, after the "rest-day" in the first round, given by the late withdrawn of Dinamo-2 which left the local championship with 11 clubs only. This game was also the first, talking about the superleague, lived by the well known brazilian coach Miltinho on the Gazprom Ugra's bench. The signing of Milton Luiz Ziller Júnior "Miltinho" was definitely one of the most important transfer of the past futsal summer in Russia. Former Atlético Mineiro, Minas Tênis Clube, Ulbra, Cortiana/UCS and Praia Clube, Miltinho is one of the most winning and recognized futsal coaches of the world, and will now increase the brazilian colony in Ugra, already composed of players like Robinho, Pelè Junior, Eder Lima and Lukaian. And, if listening the "santa catarina rumors" about the future of Malwee, Tiago could join the club in January, we'll see. It therefore seems that russian market has finally opened to foreign coaches, after the first "troubles" of some seasons ago, as proved by the presence of Beto Aranha (Tyumen), Tino Perez (Dinamo Moscow), Miguel Andres Moreno (Dina Moscow) together with Miltinho.

But stop talking about brazilian and spanish coaches/players, cause the legend is still there and comes from Ukraine: a double from the 35 years old Serhyi Koridze was the key for Miltinho, as Gazprom-Ugra was down 1-3 just four minutes before the 50th minute. Congratulations Serhyi! The 4-3 goal came through Eder Lima in the final minute of the game, something disappointing for Norilsky Nickel (which, ironically, was one of the first clubs in importing brazilian stars in its roster, before changing policy in recent years).


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