Courtesy: UEFA


Holders handed Spanish showdown

Wednesday, 22 September 2004

The reigning world and European champions will go head to head in the group stage of the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship finals after the draw was made for February's tournament in Ostrava town hall.

Italy face Spain

Holders Italy have been placed in Group 2 with Spain, who will defend their FIFA World Futsal Championship crown in Chinese Taipei this winter, as well as Portugal - yet to progress beyond the group stage in their previous entries - and first-time finalists Hungary.

Hosts' task

In Group 1, the Czech Republic meet Ukraine - beaten finalists in the last two biennial tournaments - together with the 1999 champions Russia and the Netherlands. The tournament, staged in Ostrava's 9,000-seater Cez Arena, runs from 14-20 February.