Courtesy: UEFA.COM


Benfica bound for final

Saturday, 20 March 2004

SL Benfica became the first European team to end the monopoly of UEFA Futsal Cup finals between Playas de Castellón and Action 21 Charleroi.

Final date

The result meant that the host side won all three of their games in Group B, which also included MNK Split and Prato C/5, to top the section. Benfica will now play the winners of Group A in the two-legged final, which will be played on 24 April and 1 May. The previous two editions of the UEFA Futsal Cup have seen Castellón twice defeat Charleroi in the final.

Great match

The decisive match between Portuguese champions Benfica and Charleroi was arguably the most entertaining of the six played in the Group B second qualifying round mini-tournament in Lisbon. The hosts, who only needed a draw to go through, started in the best possible way by opening the score in the third minute, through Arnaldo, after a through-ball from Pedro Costa.

Lead extended

Benfica did not stop there and after two efforts – from André Lima and Lukaian, respectively – managed to extend their lead, in the eighth minute, through Lukaian, who resembles his Real Madrid CF compatriot Roberto Carlos due to his thunderous shots, with a fierce effort from distance. Only then, did Charleroi manage a shot on José Carlos's goal, but it was to be blocked.

Gap closed

In the 13th minute, André made it a 3-0 after a quick counterattack, seemingly ending the contest. However, less than a minute later Léo pulled one back after a pass from Jerry and the match was again wide open. Lúcio Rosa and Leandro tried to cut the gap to one before half-time but were to be frustrated.

Eli hat-trick

The second half started as the second left off with Eli finally getting a second for Charleroi, scoring when well placed in front of goal. He then levelled matters five minutes later after capitalising on some sloppy Benfica defending. However, that only served to inspire the Portuguese side and Lukaian with an angled shot and André's close-range finish made it 5-3 to Benfica. Charleroi had the last word through Eli's hat-trick goal in the dying seconds but it was too little, too late.


Courtesy: UEFA.COM

Prato prevail to end on high

Saturday, 20 March 2004

Italian title-holders Prato C/5 clinched third place in Group B with a battling 2-1 win against MNK Split.

Hard-earned victory

Both sides came into the match having lost their previous two games in the section, which also included hosts SL Benfica and two-time finalists Action 21 Charleroi. The match was level at 1-1 at the break, but Prato eventually prevailed in an even contest.

Fine displays

With nothing at stake except for pride, this match between the Italian and the Croatian title holders was a suprisingly tight affair. The two goalkeepers, Claudio Fiori and Aljosa Stanicic, showed their class with strong displays

Prato stronger

Prato opened the scoring through captain Andrea Piccini on the third minute with a low shot. However, Robert Jarni, the former Croatia, Real Madrid CF and Real Betis Balompié left-sided player, equalised a minute later with a thunderous low shot.

Rubei winner

In the second half, Prato scored the decisive goal in the 25th minute through Andrea Rubei after he capitalised on a Split defensive error. Split had their moments to equalise with Ivica Osibov going the closest.