Courtesy: UEFA

Spain stride into last four

Tuesday, 15 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou at the CEZ Arena

Portugal 1-3 Spain
Spain have made it through to the semi-finals of the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship after a hard-fought victory against Portugal.

Italy through

The world champions are aiming to add the European title to their global crown but were pushed hard by their Iberian neighbours in Ostrava this evening. However, the victory means that Italy are also through to the last four, and that the two sides will be playing to see who finishes first in Group B on Thursday.

Great goalkeeping

Both teams were at full strength with Portugal able to welcome back star goalkeeper João Benedito from suspension. At the other end, Portugal's first attempt came when Gonçalo tried a rising long-range shot that seemed destined for the top corner before Luis Amado in Spain's goal tipped it to safety.

Wonderful goal

Spain dictated the play throughout the first half with precise passing and good technical skill. Chief among their ranks was Javi Rodríguez who, in the eighth minute, scored his third goal in two games after leaving Marcelinho in his wake.

Carved open

Portugal were carved open again three minutes later when Javier Orol slid the ball down the touchline to Andreu, who then passed it inside to Daniel to score. The form of Joel Queirós was a positive though for Portugal and he finished the half with a tremendous strike that had Amado diving at full stretch.

Sitting back

The Portuguese continued to push Spain into their own half in the second period. Zézito found room for Portugal in the 22nd minute but missed the target. Another chance was spurned when Joel Queirós made room, raced forward and cannoned a drive off the upright. The No6 then had a chance from the edge of the area but fired wide. Portugal were in the thick of the action, but José Maria had to be alert to clear Daniel's goalbound effort off the line.

Nervy finish

Marcelinho was introduced as a fifth attacker for the final eight minutes and Javi Rodríguez nearly took advantage of the lack of a dedicated goalkeeper only to see his long-range shot hit the post. Yet the extra man paid dividends when Marcelinho slid in to score and it meant that Spain would endure a nervy final five minutes. However, the equaliser did not come and, when Kike struck a third with 84 seconds left, Portugal realised their dream was over.

Starting lineup

Portugal: João Benedito, Ivan, André Lima, Gonçalo and José Maria.
Spain: Luis Amado, Fran Serrejón, Marcelo, Javi Rodríguez and Kike.