Courtesy: UEFA.com

Boomerang begin in fine style

Monday, 14 March 2005

Boomerang Interviú FS and Action 21 Charleroi have made solid starts to the UEFA Futsal Cup Group A mini-tournament.

Schumacher double

Boomerang were 3-0 winners against KMN Litija in their opening fixture at the Spiroudôme in Charleroi. Brazilian star Schumacher, a key man in their 2004 triumph, was the two-goal hero - finding the net in each half - either side of a Javi Limones effort. Boomerang featured five Spanish internationals who have recently been crowned European and world Champions - Luis Amado, Julio, Andreu, Daniel and Javi Limones.

Fine form

The reigning champions were always on top but were made to work hard for their victory. After some resolute defending from Slovenian challengers Litija, particularly from a Joan effort, the holders finally broke the deadlock a minute before half-time when Marquinho set up his compatriot Schumacher to score. Javi Limones then struck the second two minutes into the second half, before Schumacher completed the scoring just before the final whistle.

Home fans

Mini-tournament hosts Charleroi, Futsal Cup runners-up in 2002 and 2003, were quick off the mark against Sporting Clube de Portugal, but were made to work for their 7-4 triumph in front of passionate home support. It was no surprise when the Belgian champions found the breakthrough in the second minute through the 25-year-old Brazilian Davi. Sporting struck back though when Deo managed to find an equaliser in the ninth minute.

Sporting rally

However, Charleroi responded immediately with three more goals in the next six minutes from Robinho, Alex and Eder before Paulinho's free-kick cut the deficit to two just before half-time. Andre made it five in the 27th minute, but Sporting then rallied with João Marcal and Gonçalo Alves making it 5-4 with ten minutes to play. Eder’s second and third of the night ended any hopes of a Sporting fightback, a fact confirmed by Paulinho‘s late dismissal.

Final date

The winners of Group A, which will also be played on Tuesday and Thursday, will meet the winners of Group B in the two-legged final to be played on 23 and 30 April. Group B begins on Saturday, with matches also set for Sunday and a week on Tuesday. The clubs involved are El Pozo Murcia FS, FC Dorozhnik Minsk, FC Shakhtar Donetsk and MFC Dinamo Moskva.