Foglia claims Futsal crown

Monday, 26 January 2004

Italian international Adriano Foglia has been voted world player of the year following a poll of Futsal experts from around the globe.

Worldwide voting

The survey, carried out by the respected Futsal Planet website, included referees, coaches and journalists from 49 countries, with uefa.com among the 175 who registered an opinion. Foglia, who plays for Italian side Arzignano Grifo C/5 took first place with 171 points, while Boomerang Interviú F.S. and Brazil's Schumacher was second with 154 points. Third was another Brazilian, the El Pozo Murcia pivot Lenisio with 130 points.

Key player

"I am very happy," said the 22-year-old Foglia. "I did not expect this as there were so many great players in the running. I hope I can continue to play well." Capped more than 40 times by his country, the Brazilian-born forward was a star man for the Azzurri on their way to winning the 2003 UEFA European Futsal Championship, especially with his two goals in the 2-1 semi-final victory against Spain.

Plenty of prizes

Brazilian star Manoel Tobias won the first three editions of the award but had to be content with fourth place this time around. Other awards saw Luis Amado of Boomerang and Spain win the best goalkeeper prize and his national-team trainer, Javier Lozano, take the best coach honour. Finally, the acclaim for the best team went to Italy, after that European success and a year of solid results.