Courtesy: UEFA.com

Charleroi confirm final place

Thursday, 17 March 2005

Action 21 Charleroi have become the first team through to the UEFA Futsal Cup final after a dramatic 2-2 draw against holders Interviú Boomerang FS.

Point enough

The Belgian side, runners-up in 2002 and 2003, needed just a point from the final Group A game held at their own Spiroudôme in front of 6,500 loyal supporters. Both teams had won their opening two games against Sporting Clube de Portugal and KMN Litija, but Charleroi had the better goal difference going into tonight's contest.

Goalkeeping excellence

As befits such an occasion, the first half was a cagey affair with neither side managing to break the deadlock – although Boomerang had to cope with the loss of Schumacher to a red card after just four minutes. Both teams had their moments in front of goal, but the two goalkeepers – Charleroi's Fehrmann and Boomerang's Luis Amado - were on top.

Dramatic finish

It was the 32nd minute before Kelsen finally broke the deadlock, sparking wild scenes among the crowd. Boomerang were not going to give up their title easily though, and Neto struck back four minutes later, not long after Luis had hit the post. Gabriel then put the Spanish side in front in the 39th minute and Charleroi's dream seemed over. However, Davi was introduced as a fifth attacker and the Belgian side made full use of the extra man as Lucio scored the crucial equaliser with time ticking away.

Sporting win

In the day's early game, Sporting salvaged some pride with a 6-1 victory against Litija, including two goals for João Marcal. Both teams had lost their first two games against Charleroi and Boomerang, and neither would have wanted to finish without a point. Sporting were always on top, racing to a 4-1 half-time lead before adding two more goals after the break.

Final date

While Boomerang, Sporting and Litija contemplate what might have been, Charleroi 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.