Courtesy UEFA.com

Lesser lights hoping to shine

Monday, 26 January 2004

The qualifying round of the 2004/05 UEFA European Futsal Championship gets under way this week and uefa.com turns the spotlight on the less-fancied sides hoping to break into the élite.


Every chance
While holders Italy, world champions Spain, Ukraine, Russia and Portugal are traditionally strong teams, there is every chance for other nations to cause a surprise here and there. In all, seven mini-tournaments will be played out over the coming week with the winner of each joining hosts Czech Republics at the finals in February 2005.

Neighbouring countries
Belgium will be the favourites in Group 1, not least because they are hosting the four-team round-robin event. However, the fact they are joined by neighbouring France and the Netherlands, along with Israel, means the competition is sure to be keenly fought.

Good combination
Bennie Meurs, coach of Belgium, rates his side's chances as even despite the strength of their rivals. "Holland will be our toughest opponent," he said. "But I still think we have a 50 per cent chance of going to the finals next year. We now have a healthy mix of experience and young players and certainly stand a chance. But Belgium and Holland should not underestimate France and Israel."

Fans crucial

Meurs will pin his faith in star players like Karim Bachar, Tim Vergauwen and Marc Vandecaetsbeek but is also relying on strong support. He added: "We are counting on the support of our fans and it will also be a stimulus to help Futsal grow in Belgium."

Decisive fixture

The Netherlands have prepared well including two friendly matches against Portugal. Coach Vic Hermans said: "If we can continue our good performances in those matches, then I am optimistic." While he warned against underestimating the Israelis and French, he said Belgium would be the biggest threat. He added: "They have a good team, but they are not unbeatable." The two countries will meet on Friday in a potentially decisive fixture.

Positive approach

Along with Belgium and the Netherlands, another of Europe's emerging Futsal nations are Serbia and Montenegro. They are in Group 5 with Russia but as hosts of the mini-tournament will feel they have a strong chance of an upset, especially in front of capacity crowds.

Three victories wanted

National team coach Goran Savicevic, brother of former AC Milan star Dejan, certainly has high hopes. "Our wish is to win all three matches," he said. "We will have great support but Russia will be our hardest opponent."

Bad memories

The squad is injury-free and Savicevic is hoping he can take the team to the finals next year, something his brother did not manage during a brief spell in charge of the country's football team. The presence of Azerbaijan in the group will bring back memories of that failed attempt to qualify for UEFA EURO 2004™ which included a 2-1 defeat by the Azeris last June.

Victory vital

Savicevic said: "Our nation has a bad memories of Azerbaijani football. I believe that we will fare much better than Dejan's team. Everybody in the country is insisting that we win against Azerbaijan."

Minnows hopeful

Other nations hoping to cause a surprise include Finland, who are in with Spain in Group 4, and Slovakia, drawn with Ukraine in Group 2. The Finns warmed up with a friendly defeat by Latvia but coach Simo Syrjävaara believes his side are making progress. Slovakia coach Jaroslav Vojtek, meanwhile, hopes home advantage will tell for his team, whom he admits are a squad in transition