Futsal Planet

Slovenia vs France

OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT

by Damon Shaw from Tripoli

Slovenia took third place in the Mediterranean Futsal Cup by beating France in a competitive third place playoff. These games normally take a more relaxed look and a have a friendly atmosphere, but with the full 16 places being decided in this tournament every match counts.

These group stage rivals met again only five days after Slovenia had comfortably beaten the French to take top spot in Group B and this time it was 3rd place in the Mediterranean Futsal Cup up for grabs. France’s star player and their leading goal scorer was celebrating his birthday along with teammate Mustapha Otmani, but the party was spoilt by a Slovenia team determined to put the semi final defeat behind them.

Oskredkar was played in down the right by Alen Fetic and a classy volley from over his shoulder which was tipped over by Riad Karouni in the French goal. That was the closest anybody had come in the opening 15 minutes to breaking the deadlock. Slovenia were dominating possession.

Birthday boy Teixeira was a threat for the French as he always is and at the end of the first half he had a great run down the right. He put the ball through the legs of Pertic before running onto it and crossing for the far post. The other birthday boy Otmani was inches away from getting on the end of it to open the scoring.

Slovenia had a golden chance as well just after as a long ball was played up to Pertic and he nodded it down for Osredkar and he hit it on the volley but just over. It was 0-0 at half time. Could the second half improve and get the fans in the mood for the final?

Slovenia did just what was ordered and within the first Sebastijan Drobne had scored. It was a weak goal to concede from France’s perspective as Drobne had space on the right and had an easy shot on goal that Karouni was unable to get down to.

Gaj Rosic doubled Slovenia’s advantage when Osredkar broke away and despite Chaulet trying to pull him back he broke free. Chaulet did manage to get a slide tackle in and send him wide, but Osredkar composed himself and looked up to see Gaj Rosic arriving just on time. He found him and Rosic finished into the top corner.

Slovenia scored a third, but it was in their own goal to give France a lifeline with seven minutes remaining. Pertic tried to put a foot in but his interception when beyond his keeper into his own net.

Drobne however restored the 2 goal cushion with an excellent finish after Benjamin Melink broke away and played a ball that just beat the France defence. It looked like it had ran too far wide but Drobne managed to get his foot around the ball and he scored in off the inside post.

Cujec then put the result beyond doubt and crowned a fantastic tournament that he had. He’d been a joy to watch all tournament and has two excellent feet and a powerful shot for such a young player.

Teixeira got his birthday goal with a free kick on the edge of the area that went straight in beyond the wall and past the keeper. It was a little too late though for France who pushed on but couldn’t draw level. The second half was much better to watch and a delight for the fans who were warming up for the main event of the Mediterranean Futsal Cup.

MVP for the third place match went to Osredkar who was involved in much of Slovenia’s forward play.

Both teams finish in respectable posititions and Slovenia put their defeat to neighbours Croatia behind them and all eyes are now on the final as the stadium fills up for what promises to be an electric atmosphere here in Tripoli.

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