Interview with Semen Andreev (Russian Futsal Committee President) by our collaborator Vladimir Romanov


GROUP A IS NOT A LUCKY GROUP

- Are you satisfied with the condition of the team? Are all the players you wanted to see at your disposal? What about the training period? Did you carry out all you had planned before?

- I think we prepared our guys for very difficult and tough matches. In my opinion the team is ready not only for the first round but, also, for the next stages of the tournament. Honestly we selected the best Russian players of this season. We really set hopes on them. They believe us too. It is very important to achieve our aim. The atmosphere in the team is good. We understand each other. The training period was not wasted. The players did everything they needed. Of course we did not manage to escape some losses. I mean Denis Agafonov from VIZ-Sinara and Pavel Chistopolov from the same club. Imjuries are always against us.


- What is you opinion of the opponents?

- When we got to know the EURO-2005 draw results, some colleagues celebrated me with “an incredibly simple group”. I do not think it is worth saying we are lucky and in any case the things will go well. Our opponents are strong. Should I comment about Ukraine? Everybody is well informed of Hennady Lysenchuk's possibility to create real futsal "machines". His experience will let his guys to play actively and without mercy. He has got one of the best forwards of the world, Serhiy Koridze. I saw his talent in Moscow and Shelkovo when the Ukrainian team was preparing for the championship. I guess Ukraine will fight again for a medal. There is a good tradition for Lysenchuk. As for the Netherlands “the orange” will try to prove the bad times have passed. Last time they have not achieved good results. I do not think they agree keep on living without victories. In Russia we know much of Czech futsal thanks to Michal and Roman Mares. Do not forget Czech players will get support from their fans. Most of all I take care of our match against the hosts of the championship. We are not worried about the opponents. We are just aware of that the Czech team will get additional emotional power at home.


- Which is the aim of Russia in Ostrava?

- We need get semifinals and then to win medals. What kind? I won't be disappointed if we get bronze medals. But the main task is to go through the finals.


- Which teams can win EURO 2005?

- Spain, Italy, the Ukraine, maybe Portugal and, of course, Russia.