Courtesy: UEFA

Russians maintain perfect record

Tuesday, 15 February 2005

Czech Republic 1-4 Russia

Russia continued their solid start to the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship by making it two wins from two.

Ivanov strike

A spectacular first-half volley from the experienced Sergei Ivanov set the 1999 champions on their way to another Group A victory and put them on the verge of the semi-finals. It was as a highly professional performance against the host nation, who were cheered on by thousands of noisy supporters in Ostrava.

Key injury

The Czechs were without key man Roman Mareš due to a knee injury suffered in the 2-1 victory against Ukraine. Russia, meanwhile, were at full strength and buoyant after their 5-3 success against the Netherlands.

Strong support

The home fans did their best to help their favourites with their driving drumbeats, loud cheers and piercing whistles. The lively atmosphere seemed to inspire the Russians, however, and it was no surprise when Ivanov scored with a sublime seventh-minute volley from a corner that gave Petr Krayzel no chance. Vladislav Shayakhmetov then rattled the outside of the post seconds before Sergei Malyshev shot over when clean through.

Counterattack goal

It was one-way traffic, with Krayzel doing his best to keep out the Russian forwards. However, the Czechs slowly worked their way back. An equaliser came when Krayzel's quick thinking set Tomáš Šluka away on the counterattack. He in turn fed Michal Mareš before getting the ball back and firing into the net.

Lead regained

The crowd threatened to raise the roof but the Czechs failed to build on their equaliser. Instead, Russia regained the lead from another corner with 26 seconds remaining in the half. This time, it was Shayakhmetov who found space, worked an opening and stroked the ball past the wrongfooted Sergei Zouev.

More chances

The Czechs picked up the play in the second half, but for all their efforts could not create any clear-cut openings. Instead, it was Russia who extended their advantage in the 26th minute with Konstantin Maevskiy finishing off a neat one-two. Damir Khamadiyev should then have had a fourth but shot wide. An even better chance came when Shayakhmetov slammed an effort against the woodwork from long range.

Late fourth

To their credit, the Czechs refused to lie down and did their best to cut the deficit. However, Russia scored a breakaway fourth when Michal Mareš inadvertenty played the ball into the path of Denis Abyshev. The No10 made no mistake from barely a metre out, leaving the Czechs to hope for better against the Netherlands in Thursday's final group game.

Starting lineup

Czech Republic: Petr Krayzel, Vit Blazej, Daniel Rajnoch, David Levcík and Michal Mareš.
Russia: Sergei Zouev, Mikhail Markin, Sergei Malychev, Damir Khamadiyev and Sergei Ivanov.