Courtesy: UEFA.COM

Charleroi in cruise control

Wednesday, 17 March 2004

Action 21 Charleroi stated their intent for the UEFA Futsal Cup with a rousing second qualifying round victory against MNK Split in Lisbon tonight.

Strong form

The Belgian champions have twice reached the final of this prestigious competition for Europe's élite club sides and on both occasions have fallen at the last hurdle. However, in this opening fixture of the four-team Group B mini-tournament, Charleroi proved they have every chance of topping the section and making it to the final for a third time in a row.

Brazilian blend

Charleroi have a strong Brazilian contingent, with Luca Cragnaz in goal the only homegrown player in the starting five. With the likes of Andre, Leo, Lúcio Rosa and Leonardo pulling the strings, Charleroi were always in control. Leo put them in front after just four minutes from Leandro's assist and there was no going back.

Cruising at interval

By half-time, the score was 3-0. The second goal of the night had come in the 15th minute when Andre converted from close range before Leonardo added another three minutes later with a strong drive.

Jarni piledrivers

Croatian hopefuls Split battled hard, especially through internationals Alen Delpont and former Real Madrid CF star Robert Jarni, who unleashed a few of his trademark long-distance shots, but Cragnaz was always equal to such efforts. The Croatian side had their best chance of the match in the 23rd minute but Frane Despotovic's long-range shot was pushed away by Cragnaz.

Hat-trick complete

Charleroi made it four in the 25th minute when Lúcio converted from a tight angle. Delpont nearly scored a consolation eight minutes later but within seconds Andre had scored his second of the night. He then finished the scoring three minutes later to complete an excellent hat-trick.


Courtesy: UEFA.COM

Battling display from Benfica

Wednesday, 17 March 2004

Portuguese champions SL Benfica twice came from behind to earn victory in the opening match of the Group B mini-tournament in the UEFA Futsal Cup second qualifying round.

Home support

Benfica are the hosts of this four-team section, which will see the winners going through to the two-legged final on 24 April and 1 May. And they gave their fans plenty to cheer in Lisbon, although they were forced to wait for it.

Feller in form

Prato took the lead in the fifth minute, capitalising on a swift counterattack. Brazilian forward Leandro Pereira finished it off with aplomb, chipping over Benfica goalkeeper José Carlos for the opener. Benfica battled back instantly but found Alexander Feller in the Italian team's goal in fine form. Lukaian Baptista and Arnaldo were each frustrated three times in the space of five minutes. Feller also found time to try his luck at the other end, the goalkeeper forcing a low save from José Carlos.

André inspired

Benfica finally found an equaliser 36 seconds before half-time. Portuguese international and club captain André pulled his team back into the match with a low free-kick from ten metres after a sixth Prato foul. Prato quickly restored their lead three minutes after the interval when Andrea Rubei finished off another counterattack to fire past José Carlos

Strong finish

However, the Portuguese team showed their superior fitness to delight the home supporters with a strong finish. Lukaian finally found the net in the 27th minute to level matters and then three more goals in a devastating four-minute spell turned the tide in their favour. André got his second in the 33rd minute with a tap-in, Arnaldo then pounced on a poor Feller clearance before Ricardinho finished the scoring with a breakaway goal.