Courtesy: UEFA

Spain feels Futsal pain

Wednesday, 23 March 2005

By Andy Hall

For the first time since its inauguration in 2001/02, the UEFA Futsal Cup will not be a story of Spanish success.

Three titles

The first three winners of Europe's premier club competition for Futsal club teams all hailed from Spain - Playas de Castellón FS in 2002 and 2003 and last year, Boomerang Interviú FS. Indeed, this time around, many had expected the holders and El Pozo Murcia FS to produce the first all-Spanish final after they were paired in different second qualifying round groups.

Julio wary

Boomerang were drawn in Group A, to be played in Charleroi, while Murcia, taking part for the first time, were in the Moscow-staged Group B. However, before a ball was kicked, Boomerang captain Julio admitted to uefa.com that things could be difficult. "The competition is getting fiercer and each year, the trophy is becoming harder to win," he said.

Hard-fought victories

That was certainly in evidence when Boomerang kicked off their campaign on 14 March with a hard-fought 3-0 victory against KMN Litija of Slovenia. The following day Sporting Clube de Portugal proved to be an even tougher test with Jesús Candelas's men pinching a 4-3 win - a result which left them requiring victory against hosts Action 21 Charleroi to make the final.

Goal difference

Both Boomerang and Charleroi were unbeaten before the decisive meeting but the Belgian side had a superior goal difference and needed just a draw. When the two sides met on 17 March, Gabriel's 39th-minute strike looked to have booked a place in the final for the Spanish club. But, with seconds remaining, Lúcio made it 2-2 and the champions were out.

Confident start

It meant all Spanish hopes lay with Murcia, who began their bid in confident fashion by beating Belarus's FC Dorozhnik Minsk 8-0 in their opening match before FC Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine were brushed aside by the same score. MFC Dinamo Moskva had also won their two matches but when the clubs came face to face on 22 March, Murcia, with a superior goal difference, needed just a draw.

Agonising defeats

However, and in front of enthusiastic home support, Dinamo won a thrilling decider 5-4. Reflecting on what could have been, coach Duda said: "It has been a deceptive and bitter defeat but we know that we only have ourselves to blame." Spanish international Fran Serrejón added: "We lost our concentration and were made to pay."

Much discussion

Back home, the exit of both Boomerang and Murcia is bound to open a debate about Spanish strength. However, as Julio told uefa.com, these things happen. He said: "I suppose that because Spanish clubs have been winning trophies for the past few seasons, it will seem as though something is amiss. But this year's competition, like previous ones, has been a close battle.

Deserved victory

"In our case, it's fair to say that we have not been playing as well for the past month or so. Additionally, Charleroi have a great team and have spent the past two or three years building up for this moment - it is their aim to be champions of Europe and they deserved to go through."

Revenge required

Indeed, Spain's national-team success and the fact both clubs were playing on foreign soil should ensure there is not too much panic. There will be talk about the influx of Brazilian players in the División de Honor or whether other nations have simply made up ground on Spain. But one thing is certain, the biggest threat to this year's winners in 2005/06 will be from Spain.