UEFA.com

European glory for Spain

Sunday, 20 February 2005

By Greg Demetriou at the CEZ Arena

All-conquering Spain have won the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship but were made to work hard for the victory by Russia.

World crown

The triumph comes little more than two months after Javier Lozano's men won the FIFA Futsal World Championship title in Chinese Taipei, and confirms their status as the finest Futsal nation on the planet. Spain previously won the UEFA title in 2001, having lost out in the inaugural final in 1999 to today's opponents, going down 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

Andreu opener

Neither Lozano or his Russian counterpart Oleg Ivanov had wanted to dwell on that previous meeting ahead of today's contest in Ostrava, with only Spain's Andreu and Russia's Mikhail Markin surviving from four years ago. It was Andreu who scored Spain's first, breaking the deadlock with a splendid ninth-minute goal, before Alberto Cogorro's crucial second early in the second half.

Bright start

Spain began the livelier with their opponents content to sit back and strike quickly on the counterattack. Fran Serrejón thought he had found a way through for Spain on six minutes after being found unmarked by an oustanding pass from Javi Rodríguez. The No4 could only hit the crossbar when it seemed easier to score, although it did come to him quickly.

Good support

The game continued in a similar vein with the Spanish piling on the pressure from corners. The goal would eventually come from such a set-piece with Andreu gleefully converting for his third goal at these finals. The thousands packed inside the arena leapt to their feet.

Zouev inspired

Spain looked to quickly make it two when a superb one-two move finished with Kike in front of Sergei Zouev, but the Russian goalkeeper won the battle. Russia had been trying their luck from long range, notably through Vladislav Shayakhmetov but he was not to add to his five goals at this competition.

Great move

With two minutes left in the half, a delightful pass from Shayakhmetov found Sergei Ivanov in space. The No9 flicked the ball with the outside of his foot but his effort spun just past the post. Russia knew they had a chance but they were caught out a minute after the restart. Again Kike was involved, as his fierce shot ricocheted off the crossbar and fell invitingly for Cogorro to score on the rebound.

Russian goal

Spain were to get more chances but Zouev was proving inspired - enying Daniel with an outstanding stop. Amado also had to be alert at the other end. However, the Spain No1 had to pick the ball out of the net in the 31st minute when Konstantin Douchkevitch unleashed a ten-metre drive into his bottom right-hand corner.

Kike close

Andreu could have extended Spain's lead again seconds later but could not keep a difficult volley on target when well-placed to score. Russia were proving just as menacing, but knew they had to be careful in the last five minutes after passing the five-foul mark. They were certainly warned a minute later when Kike again hit the frame of the goal.

Five attackers

Douchkevitch did his utmost to draw Russia level, sending Amado sprawling. Frustrated by such dogged defending, Russia sent Markin on as an extra outfield player but their five attackers could not find a way through. A last-gasp shot from Sergei Malyshev was the best they could muster. Spain had stood firm in the face of a resilient Russia and no one could dispute Julio's right to hold the trophy aloft at the end.