Courtesy: UEFA.com

Pride and points at stake

Thursday, 17 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou in Ostrava

The group stage of the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship concludes today in Ostrava with the last games before the knockout phase.

Final repeat

Spain and Italy have already booked their semi-final places from Group B - meaning their meeting today will be all about who finishes first and second. The teams, who last met on 5 December when the Spanish triumphed 2-1 in the FIFA Futsal World Championship final, are many people's tip to reach Sunday's final.

Fully focused

Italy coach Alessandro Nuccorini said: "The world championship is in the past and, at this moment, the Italian team is thinking only of this tournament. The match against Spain is only important in terms of progress here. Each match is a singular story." Meanwhile, Spain star Kike, a goalscorer in that last meeting, said: "The general feeling among us is we are happy to be in the semi-finals. We will see what happens."

Tough group

The southern European showdown will take place at the CEZ Arena at 19.30CET, the same time as Portugal face Hungary at the nearby Sareza hall, with both sides eager to finish on a high after two defeats apiece. Both nations had always been aware qualification would be tough from the section containing the two world finalists, but there are already plenty of positives to take from the finals, such as increased experience.

Anything possible

Earlier in the day, there is much to play for in Group A with all four sides in with a chance of reaching Friday's semi-finals. At the Sareza hall at 17.30CET, Russia will start as favourites against Ukraine having taken six points from six, although they are up against strong opponents who have three points, along with the Czech Republic. At the same time, the host nation will be taking on the Netherlands, who have no points, at the CEZ Arena.

Hometown wish

The Czechs are in need of a victory, having narrowly lost to Russia in front of a packed crowd on Tuesday. For key player Tomáš Šluka, there is particular motivation to succeed. "We were very sad about the result of the Russia game but we hope to beat the Dutch team and progress. Our supporters were great, especially for me because we are playing in my hometown. It was a very special atmosphere."