Courtesy: UEFA.com


Slovenia seek to upset Spain

Slovenia defender Igor Osredkar feels underdog status can work in their favour against holders Spain, whose coach José Venancio López said "we must show why we are favourites".

Monday 30 January 2012

by Paul Saffer & Gonzalo Aguado from Zagreb

Slovenia have lost all five of their UEFA European Futsal Championship finals games but they are taking an upbeat approach as they prepare to open the 2012 tournament against holders Spain in Zagreb on Tuesday.

The champions have won the past three editions and last tasted a competitive defeat, other than on penalties, in 2005. In October, Slovenia travelled to Spain and lost friendlies 3-0 and 2-1, but while defender Igor Osredkar acknowledges the gap between the teams, he knows surprises can happen.

"They have great players, they are all professionals and we are amateurs," Osredkar said. "We are going into the game with a relaxed attitude and we will see what happens. [Our underdog status in Group B, also involving Ukraine] is our opportunity, because they do not know what to expect from us."

Spain captain Kike, aiming for his fifth European title, believes the friendlies last year brought home how much Slovenia had improved since he was part of two 4-1 2004 FIFA Futsal World Cup play-off wins against the same opponents. "We played against Slovenia a couple of months ago, which helps us in that we know them better now," he said. "They have grown so much and are very physical with quick players. They have also improved a lot tactically. They are a team to take into account in this tournament."

There was a blow for Spain last week when Fernandao suffered a torn calf muscle, meaning Miguelín was called up for his first major championship. Coach José Venancio López said: "Fernandao is a fixed pivot who likes to play with his back to the game. Miguelín is a more versatile player who can manage different types of play. We can use him in more defensive departments and he can also help us in unbalancing opponents. He can give us that numerical superiority."

Naturally, expectations are contrasting. Slovenia coach Andrej Doboviènik mused: "We have a young team, but we have a lot of international experience. It will be very hard to [draw with Spain, like in a 2004 qualifier] but we will try. We will try to show we deserve to be at this European Championship."

Venancio López, meanwhile, said: "We realise that we are among the favourites and we accept that role; it's also a tag that we carry in every championship. That might sound trite but it's a reality given we are coming here on the back of the history we've made. Now we must demonstrate why we are favourites in every game we play because each time it gets more difficult with our rivals continually improving."




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Adidas Golden Boot on offer at finals

Not only will players at the finals in Croatia be aiming to help their team to tournament victory but they will have a chance of individual glory in the race for the adidas Golden Boot.

Tuesday 31 January 2012

Players at UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 will be aiming to help their team to tournament victory but they will also have a chance of individual glory in the race for the adidas Golden, Silver and Bronze Boots.

As in previous tournaments the adidas Golden Boot will be awarded to the top scorer, although in Croatia the prize will not be shared, with the Silver and Bronze boots being given to those finishing second and third. If two or more players are equal on goals scored, the following criteria will apply:

1) Higher number of assists:
• Player delivering the intentional pass, cross, header or shot leading to a goal
• Player shooting and ball rebounding from woodwork, goalkeeper or defender and entering the goal
• Player passing, shooting or crossing and leading to an own goal
• Only one assist per goal can be awarded
• No assist for player winning a penalty or a free-kick

2) Higher ratio of converted double (ten-metre) penalties
3) Higher ratio of converted (six-metre) penalties
4) Higher number of goals scored in fewer matches
5) Fair play record (red, yellow cards)

Past final tournament top scorers

2010: Saad Assis (Italy), Biro Jade (Azerbaijan), Javi Rodríguez (Spain), Joel Queirós (Portugal) 5
2007: Cirilo (Russia), Daniel (Spain), Predrag Rajic (Serbia) 5
2005: Nando Grana (Italy) 6
2003: Serhiy Koridze (Ukraine) 7
2001: Serhiy Koridze (Ukraine) 7
1999: Konstantin Eremenko (Russia) 11
1996: Konstantin Eremenko (Russia) 8




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Futsal EURO begins in Croatia

UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 starts in Croatia tonight and excitement is growing in the host cities of Split and Zagreb as 11 nations challenge perennial champions Spain for their crown.

Tuesday 31 January 2012

by Paul Saffer & Wayne Harrison from Zagreb & Split

UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 begins in Croatia tonight and UEFA.com has full coverage from Split and Zagreb.

Twelve teams will be competing for the trophy, and first to kick off at 19.00CET at the Zagreb Arena are Spain, starting their bid for a fourth straight European title against Slovenia in Group B, which also involves Ukraine. Then, at 21.00, Split's Spaladium Arena is the setting as hosts Croatia challenge Romania in Group A, with 2010 bronze medallists the Czech Republic then to meet both; like Ukraine they play their first game on Thursday.

Before that, on Wednesday, 2003 winners Italy take on debutants Turkey in Split to launch Group C, also containing Russia. That evening in Zagreb there is a rematch of the 2010 semi-final – Portugal against Azerbaijan – in a tough Group D completed by Serbia, who are the last to get going on Friday.

-> Full fixture list

UEFA.com is at both venues and will provide a preview, report and reaction from every game. Our new-look MatchCentre has instant updates and statistics, plus the latest comments from our team in the arenas.

Before that you can download the 76-page tournament programme, which boasts in-depth features on all 12 teams, venue guides and interviews with the tournament's biggest names. You can also read and watch our previews of the four pools: Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D, which are among the many features on our tournament homepage.

In contrast to Zagreb, which had a dusting of snow over the weekend, the winter sun made for a stunning day in Split on Monday. The vibe in the opening media conference was equally positive, as Croatia coach Mato Stankovic spoke of his desire to reward the passionate Split fans for creating what he is sure will be an excellent atmosphere.

"We are a very young team and I hope the pressure and the home crowd will give us the advantage and that we'll provide the result that everyone in Croatia expects from us," said Stankovic, whose side are likely to line up in front of a healthy crowd in the Spaladium Arena.

Romania coach Sito Rivera added: "I hope a lot of people come to see the games. I know my players very well, many of them have played in the UEFA Futsal Cup with [City'Us] Târgu Mureº and Gyõri [ETO FC]. We will play well and are focused – the atmosphere will not be a problem for us."




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