Courtesy: UEFA.com

Spain on-song but Russia ready

Saturday, 19 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou in Ostrava

Spain can add the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship crown to their world title should they gain revenge on Russia in Sunday's final.

Final repeat

The 17.15CET match at the CEZ Arena is a repeat of the decisive game at the 1999 European Championship, the inaugural UEFA event. On that occasion, Russia stunned the home fans in Cordoba, by winning 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. While Russia have since failed to live up to that achievement, Spain have been crowned the 2001 European Champions and FIFA Futsal World Championship winners in 2000 and 2004.

Stern test

For all their recent success, Spain coach Javier Lozano will know his side face a stern test against Oleg Ivanov's side, who are in buoyant mood after their thrilling 4-2 victory against the defending champions Italy in Friday night's semi-final. Spain had reached the showpiece match earlier that day after brushing aside a youthful Ukraine 5-0.

Coach unfazed

Lozano was calm prior to the final, with his players not carried away by their convincing semi-final victory or affected by the group-stage defeat by Italy. On that latter match, he said: "It was the best thing that could have happened. You always learn something if you lose or win. In this match, I learned a lot."

Respect paid

His opposite number, Ivanov said: "Spain are a two-time world champion and a very good, technically strong and mobile team. They are a very serious opponent and we shall do our best to prepare. We intend to give a good performance." The Russia coach preferred not to dwell on the 1999 final, claiming simply "we are ready".

Bronze medal

The day's festivities actually get under way with the third-place play-off between Italy and Ukraine at 14.00. Despite their disappointment at not reaching the final, neither of the respective coaches Alessandro Nuccorini and Gennadiy Lysenchuk will want to end their campaign on a low note. The latter claimed: "We can have a good rest and then do our best to win the bronze medal."

Live coverage

uefa.com will provide full coverage of both matches with photos, reports and reaction, and minute-by-minute text commentary of the final.