Courtesy: UEFA

Italy down world champions

Thursday, 17 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou at the CEZ Arena

Italy will play Russia while Spain will meet 2001 final victims Ukraine in the last four of the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship after the Azzurri's triumph in today's meeting of the two heavyweights.

Players rested

Both sides had already booked their semi-final places from Group B - meaning the result was only useful in determining who would finish first and second. It quickly became apparent that both coaches were keen to rotate their players frequently, not wishing to give too much away should these sides meet again in Sunday's final.

Previous history

The teams last met on 5 December when the Spanish triumphed 2-1 in the FIFA Futsal World Championship final to gain revenge for their defeat by the same scoreline in the 2003 European Championship semi-final. Despite today's reverse, Spain coach Javier Lozano will be well aware his side lost 3-2 to Italy during the second group stage in the World Championship, but bounced back to win when it mattered.

Marcelo injury

Italy recalled Vinicius Bacaro after flu but were without the suspended Pellegrini while the Spanish were missing prolific scorer Marcelo with a thigh injury. Both teams gave an opportunity to their second-choice goalkeepers, Caio and Alexander Feller respectively.

Bacaro opener

The knowledgeable crowd inside the CEZ Arena were highly appreciative of the skills on view, despite the nature of the contest and the fact their favourites had been eliminated from the competition in the previous game. They had a goal to applaud after four minutes when Bacaro pounced to score from close range, although unusually it was his right foot that was effective this time. Two years ago, it was the No7 whose fierce drive gave Italy a 1-0 final victory against Ukraine.

Different threats

It was Javier Lozano's men who were threatening more as the half wore on, with Javi Rodríguez and Fran Serrejón, in particular, trying their luck. Italy were standing firm, with Carlos Scala being booked for upending Alberto Cogorro, who had shown glimpses of great technique on the ball. Seconds later, Montovanelli was shooting from distance.

Loose ball

Carlos Scala scored his third goal of the championship in the 22nd minute, thumping in without hesitation after Nando Grana's effort had slammed off the post. Spain responded well, turning on the style after that, much to the delight of the Czech crowd. They finally pulled one back on 26 minutes when Jordi Torras converted the easiest of chances after seizing a loose ball inside the penalty area.

Italy victorious

However, Italy were not finished and Edgar Bertoni was able to extend the lead again in the 29th minute with a scrappy finish that bamboozled the Spanish defence. It was to be the last of the action but maybe not the end of the Spain v Italy story.

Team lineup

Spain: Rafa, Fran Serrejón, Kike, Javi Limones and Alberto Cogorro.
Italy: Caio, Nando Grana, Bacaro, Carlos Scala, Eduardo Morgado.