France vs Slovenia

OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT

by Damon Shaw from Tripoli

Slovenia win the group with another assured performance against their toughest opposition in this competition to date yet they are still 35 places lower in the Futsal World Rankings. Slovenia are ranked 20 in the world while France are 55th. They go on to face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while France, already through before today’s game as well will take on Tunisia.

With both teams already qualified the only prize on offer was first place in the group and with both Tunisia and Bosnia being tough opposition it was a game with no pressure. Delayed 30 minutes for live TV coverage Slovenia but it didn’t take Slovenia long to carry on their free scoring form. In the first minute Gaj Rosic latched onto a pass and slotted past Lionel Colabella in the France goal and Kristjan Cujec doubled that advantage just two minutes later. They looked like answer those who thought they had an easy ride so far and are starting to show signs they can go a long way in the Mediterranean Futsal Cup.

France weren’t down and out and with 37 minutes left, it was still there to be won. Alexandre Teixeira clawed one back almost immediately adding to his impressive goal tally and keeping him at the top of the scorers chart with 7, but the deficit wasn’t cut for long as Damir Pertic restored Slovenia’s two goal advantage.
The early goal glut had come to an end, along with any clear cut chances until just before half time when Pertic was played in by Jaka Sovdat only to hit the post in an open goal.

The second half was greeted by hundreds of fans turning up for the
Libya vs Greece game and they had divided the support between the two teams creating a cracking atmosphere. Their noise couldn’t bring the goal glut back and the game went 35 minutes without a goal. Chances were also few and far between with two largely evenly matched teams, probably not wanting to risk injury or suspension by this point in the second half. Otmani for France did manage to shoot across goal only for nobody to turn it in at the far post and Osredkar broke well away from his marker and shot a fizzing toe poke that the goalkeeper tipped over the bar for a corner.

This game was decided in the first five minutes with the early exchanges of goals. The result was never important and both teams put in good performances and will be confident in the quarter finals.

Futsal Planet Most Valuable Player award was for Kristjan Cujec who continues to impress. He scored one and never looked phased. He is a joy to watch and will certainly be a big player for Slovenia in the future.

Both teams strolled through the first two matches and this tougher game will have prepared them for Sunday’s quarter finals in a good manner.


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