Courtesy: UEFA.com

Varna and Tirana safely through

Sunday, 12 September 2004

FC Mag Varna and SK Tirana have successfully negotiated the UEFA Futsal Cup preliminary round and will take their place in the first qualifying round.

Top two

Varna and Tirana, of Bulgaria and Albania respectively, finished first and second in the three-team mini-tournament hosted by English side Sheffield Hallam at the weekend. That means Varna will enter Group 8 of the next round, while Tirana will take a place in Group 6.

Opening game

Sheffield were in action in the first game of the round-robin event held at the English Institute of Sport in Yorkshire, but lost out 6-4 to Tirana. The Albanian side had to work hard however, after seeing a 4-0 interval lead wiped out before two late goals restored their advantage.

Strong showing

Tirana then made sure of their progression by drawing 3-3 with Varna in their second and final game. This meant Sheffield had to triumph in their final game to go through while the Bulgarian side knew a draw would be enough. However, it was to be a one-sided affair with Varna coming out on top 13-6, the margin of victory ensuring them top spot.