Courtesy Uefa.com

Play-off contenders getting ready

Monday, 08 December 2003

Ten nations will be hoping to take a giant step towards the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship in Chinese Taipei this week.

Two-legged ties

The teams have been divided into five two-legged ties with the winners each earning a place in the finals late next year. On Wednesday, Belarus welcome Ukraine, Poland play Portugal, Spain travel to Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzergovina receive the Czech Republic. Hungary complete the action the following day when they take on visitors Italy.

Shocks possible

This week's five away sides are the favourites to progress, and each will be at home for the return legs on Wednesday 17 December. However, surprises are always possible in Futsal, not least with the Bosnians eliminating Russia and Belarus brushing aside the Netherlands in qualifying.

Leading the way

However, Spain and Italy will be fancied to lead the European charge in 2004. The Spanish are the reigning world champions, while the Italians have the European crown and both sides possess some of the best players in the world.

Pavšek tragedy

Spain have prepared well for their trip to Maribor, with a good blend of youth and inexperience in their squad. However, the match has been marred by the death of Slovenia goalkeeper Jože Pavšek at the age of 25 after he was involved in an industrial accident at work last week. The second leg will follow in Cáceres next week and the Spanish will use the occasion to pay tribute to former international star Javi Sánchez, who has retired.

Coach confident

Italy will also hope to be in a comfortable position by the time Hungary make the return trip to Montesilvano, the scene of their qualifying success. Azzurri coach Alessandro Nuccorini is confident his team can continue their good work in Budapest. "The objective is to continue the work that was carried out then," he told the Italian Football Federation's official website. "The general condition of the team is good."


Tributes paid to Pavšek

Monday, 08 December 2003

Slovenian Futsal is mourning the death of Jože Pavšek after the national team goalkeeper was killed in an industrial accident.

Title winner

The 25-year-old was capped ten times by his country and was due to play in the FIFA Futsal World Championship play-off against Spain later this month. Pavšek won three championships with his current club, KMN Svea Lesna Litija, after starting his career at Amato Zagorje.

Tributes paid

Pavšek's death on 2 December has led to tributes being paid from around the world of Futsal, with colleagues and supporters paying their respects to a talented player who had been tipped for much more success. "We will miss his good humour, his friendly and firm handshake and his humbleness," said a Slovenian Football Association statement.