Budapest Sun Online

Proud effort

By Márton Vajda

The Hungarian men's futsal team finished the European Championships without a single win to their name, yet Mihály Kozma's men left Ostrava, Czech Republic, proud and happy.

Futsal is the official name for five a-side indoor football, played with a smaller ball and somewhat different rules. Strategic, yet fastpaced and action-packed, it is technical and spectacular, and forecast to be the game for the 21st century.

Hungary qualified for the tournament by beating all three of its opponents, Croatia, Greece and Latvia, 4-2 in group 6. At the tournament itself, the Magyars were paired with reigning world champions Spain, defending European champions Italy and Portugal in Group B.

It was therefore no surprise that Hungary, currently lying eighth in the unofficial world rankings, finished this "group of death" in last place with three defeats, but at least they amassed some invaluable experience and made their opponents sweat.

In their first match they led against Spain before the eventual winners of the tournament turned the match in their favor and won 4-2.

Next up were the Italians who gave a much more composed performance, shutting-out Hungary for a 5 - 0 victory. Finally, the brave Hungarians led Portugal three times before losing 5-3.

"Hungary has a well-organized, strong, young team and a worldclass goalkeeper in Zoltán Balázs," commented Portuguese coach Orlando Duarte.

While in Spain and Italy there are thousands of contracted, professional futsal players competing in strong leagues, Hungary has only unpaid amateurs.

'Keeper Balázs, for example, works as a supply agent for the family business and only gets to train with his club, Colorspectrum Aramis, twice a week after work.

So it is a miracle in itself that the Hungarian part-timers were able to compete with the seasoned western European pros at all. No wonder coach Kozma was satisfied with the team's performance.

"Our aim was merely to call attention to our team during our matches against what are perhaps the three strongest sides in the world. I think we have learned a lot from the tournament."