UEFA.com

Boomerang aim for rich returns

Thursday, 3 March 2005
By Andy Hall

For Boomerang Interviú FS, the 2003/04 season could not have brought greater glory. The side coached by Jesús Candelas scooped five trophies including the UEFA Futsal Cup for the first time. Nor has the club rested on its laurels - it has started afresh, setting its sights on new targets this year.

New faces

The Spanish champions have rebuilt since beating SL Benfica in last year's final. Goalkeeper David Vigara was signed from Puertollano FS over the summer as heir to veteran shot-stopper Jesús and to deputise for first-choice Luis Amado when he has been absent on international duty helping Spain win the European and world titles.

Neto signs

Neto, regarded as be one of the best Brazilian defenders at the moment, arrived from SC Ulbra just after Christmas. He is considered to be the successor to Javier Orol and celebrated his debut with the 'Máquina Verde' by thumping a terrific volley in the semi-final of the Copa de España against Lobelle de Santiago FS - Boomerang going on to beat Azkar Lugo FS to successfully defend the trophy.

Further arrival

His compatriot Gabriel, signed from Brazilian champions Associação Carlos Barbosa, is finalising his European papers and will be able to play as soon as his Italian passport arrives. Meanwhile, Daniel and Marquinho both signed four-year contract extensions.

Moving house

The club has also uprooted from its previous headquarters in Torrejón de Ardoz to a new arena. Home games are now played at the Pabellón Ruiz de Velasco in the historic town of Alcalá de Henares on the outskirts of Madrid.

Absent internationals

But there is no doubt that the club has suffered because of the exodus of stars called up on international duty. Spain's national side travelled to Chinese Taipei for the FIFA Futsal World Championship in November, retaining the title, and Boomerang temporarily lost Luis Amado, Andreu, Julio and Javi Limones. At the same time, Daniel spent a month recovering from a knee injury.

League form

Boomerang were defeated 2-1 by Playas de Castellón FS in the final of the Supercopa that month and then lost the regional Communidad de Madrid trophy. Boomerang are now third in the División de Honor, eight points behind fellow UEFA Futsal Cup contenders El Pozo Murcia FS.

Charleroi test

However, the Copa de España victory in January was a useful boost, and Boomerang are still the team to beat when they travel to Belgium to play KMN Litija, Sporting Clube de Portugal and hosts - and two-time finalists - Action 21 Charleroi in the UEFA Futsal Cup second qualifying round between 14-17 March. Only the group winners reach the final, but having eliminated holders and Spanish rivals Playas de Castellón FS with a last-goal at this stage a year ago, Boomerang know just what is required.