Below you can read the new articles just published on UEFA.com's website, in order to offer a deeper knowledge to futsal fans about what is going on in Ostrava.

Have a look!

Courtesy: UEFA

Spanish star finds his range

Wednesday, 16 February 2005

Nando Grana is still at the top of the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship scoring charts after yesterday's two goals against Hungary moved him on to five overall.

High praise

Speaking to uefa.com, Italy coach Alessandro Nuccorini explained that Nando Grana meant more to his team than just his goals. "He is one of the most important players in the world. He doesn't play very much for his club but he works very hard for us."

Koridze's first

However, others are applying pressure on the Italy star, not least Spain's Javi Rodríguez who has three goals now following two against Portugal on matchday two. He is looking in ominous form with his side guaranteed a semi-final place. Also on three goals is Russia's Vladislav Shayakhmetov.

Late challenge?

Further down the list, the 2001 and 2003 top scorer Serhiy Koridze is off the mark for Ukraine and could yet make a late challenge.

- Click here to read the complete top scorers list!


Courtesy: UEFA

Dutch master shines bright

Wednesday, 16 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou in Ostrava

After two days of competition at the UEFA European Futsal Championship, it would be possible to see the Netherlands sitting at the bottom of Group A and surmise that the finals had so far been a disappointment for the Oranje.

Forward thinking

However, to make such a judgement would be to ignore the efforts being made to prepare a very youthful team for the years to come. Heading to Ostrava, respected coach Vic Hermans was well aware his team were not yet at the level of Italy, Spain, Ukraine or Russia and knew the only way to compete in years to come would be to give his young players a chance.

Full of confidence

He has done just that with none of his new guard shining brighter than ZVV Hilversum star Zaid El Morabiti. The 20-year-old has caught the eye with his natural ability and willingness to try things out in the middle of games - even if there are high risks involved. More often than not, his confidence has paid off.

'Long-term view'

Speaking to uefa.com, Hermans revealed the likes of El Morabiti, along with such talents as Dick Hulshorst and Abdellah Idlaasri, would be a real force at future championships. "My players have learned a lot in these first two days," he said. "I think it is good for Zaid's experience to play. He is not afraid and I think in a couple of years we will have a very good team. I calculated that we wouldn't go all the way at this tournament but took the long-term view."

Tight contests

Certainly, the No4 has not looked out of place during the 5-3 defeat by Russia and the 4-1 loss to Ukraine; both tight contests despite the final scores. Yet for all his outstanding vision and perfect positioning, one first-half moment in the second fixture summed up El Morabiti's endeavour.

Great moment

He picked up the ball deep in opposition territory and tried to elude Valeriyi Zamyatin with a neat bit of skill. However, he was dispossessed and the Ukrainian No9 surged away towards the Dutch goal. Rather than give up, El Morabiti turned and chased his opponent over the length of the pitch before ultimately winning the ball back with a well-timed block.

High hopes

"I am enjoying this tournament very much," El Morabiti said. "It is great that many people are watching and I want to do my best in each game. I like playing and everyone is giving their all. It is a nice competition to be part of." If he carries on, there will be plenty more competitions for the youngster to enjoy.


Courtesy: UEFA

Old rivals go head to head

Wednesday, 16 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou in Ostrava

When the draw was made for the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship, all the attention was rightly focused on the final group-stage meeting between heavyweight nations Spain and Italy this Thursday.

Past meetings

The two countries have a long and distinguished Futsal history including the 2003 EURO semi-final when eventual champions Italy beat the Spanish 2-1 and the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship final when Spain gained revenge on the Azzurri for that earlier loss by running out 2-1 victors.

Focus switched

However, with both countries securing semi-final spots after just two of the three matchdays, their meeting will hold less significance. Instead, the spotlight when the group stage concludes will be on the duel between Ukraine and Russia, their first meeting at a European Championship.

Simultaneous start

The old rivals will go head to head at Ostrava's Sareza Hall at 17.30CET - the same time as the Czech Republic meet the Netherlands at the CEZ Arena. The Russians are in the driving seat in Group A with a 100 per cent record, while the Ukrainians and the Czechs both have three points and the Dutch none.

Ivanov danger

The experienced Sergei Ivanov promises to be the Russian danger man, especially after his fine goal in the 4-1 victory against the Czech Republic. Vladislav Shayakhmetov, who is Russia's top scorer with three goals, said of his illustrious team-mate: "Sergei Ivanov is an outstanding player in our team."

Team effort

However, the Russia coach, Oleg Ivanov, said it was the team performance as a whole that had stood out and would be key to taking the Russians forward. "We have 12 good players in the team," Ivanov said. "I would not call us favourites - we have made a good start, but there is also still a long way to go."

'Interesting situation'

While 1999 champions Russia will be satisfied with a draw, Ukraine, runners-up in 2001 and 2003, must go all out for victory. "It is a very interesting situation in the final game," said Ukraine coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk. "We are really looking forward to Thursday. We will certainly do our utmost to qualify for the next stage."

Koridze threat

If Russia have Sergei Ivanov, then Ukraine have Serhiy Koridze. The top scorer in the last two editions got off the mark in the 4-1 success against the Netherlands. Like the Russians there is more to the team than just one man, though, and 22-year-old Serhiy Sytin has shown that Lysenchuk is building for the future.

Looking forward

"I am enjoying the tournament," said Sytin, who was relieved to score twice against the Dutch after missing several chances on the first matchday. "All the players are putting in a lot of effort. We are all looking forward to trying to qualify for the second stage."

Flying the flag

Whatever happens on Thursday, at least one of the two sides will definitely fly the flag for eastern Europe in the last four. Their southern friends from Spain and Italy would do well to keep a close eye on proceedings.