Courtesy: UEFA

Stunning start for holders

Monday, 14 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou at the CEZ Arena

Italy 8-3 Portugal

Italy made a flying start to the defence of their UEFA European Futsal Championship crown with an emphatic victory against Portugal.

Key contribution

Captain Nando Grana's contribution was key in today's opening match of the finals with his two late first-half goals putting his side in an unassailable position before sealing his hat-trick in the closing minutes. It means Italy have taken an early lead in Group B with matches against Hungary and Spain to follow, while Portugal will know they must get a result against the Spanish tomorrow.

Keeper missing

There was a key absentee for Portugal, with regular goalkeeper João Benedito serving a suspension for his red card in the 3-1 defeat against eventual winners Spain at last year's FIFA Futsal World Championship. It was he who memorably kept the Italians at bay in the 0-0 draw between the two sides during November's first group stage game in Chinese Taipei, but such a rare result was never likely today. Italy broke the deadlock when Jocimar scored with a low drive in the third minute.

Swift counter

The Azzurri were on top and Montovanelli soon hit the crossbar following a swift counterattack. Then, Adriano Foglia was fouled by Israel just as he seemed certain to score. Israel was involved again six minutes from half-time, but this time in a positive way. His delightful chipped pass found Gonçalo and he was able to shoot low beyond Alexander Feller.

Solo effort

The holders reacted well to the setback with Fabiano restoring their lead by superbly meeting Edgar Bertoni's corner. There were just three minutes left in the half but there was plenty of time for Nando Grana to score a superb solo goal. The Italy captain then capitalised on Portugal's sixth foul by converting an undefended free-kick past the helpless Sandro Barradas.

Neat move

With a three-goal advantage at the break, Italy were always the favourites to seal victory in the second half. Fabiano soon made it 5-1, before Foglia's delightful backheel set up Edgar Bertoni to score from a tight angle.

Consolation goal

Persisent play from Joel Queirós earned Portugal a second halfway through the second half. However, there was still time for Montovanelli to surge through and score in the 24th minute before Nando Grana's hat-trick goal. Portugal captain André Lima had the last word, making it 8-3.

Starting fives
Italy: Alexandre Feller, Nando Grana, Carlos Montovanelli, Jocimar and Adriano Foglia
Portugal: Sandro Barradas, Ivan, André Lima, Gonçalo Alves and José Maria.