Courtesy: www.thefa.com


Poles excel in Docklands

Monday, 18 July 2005

England 2-8 Poland - 16 July 2005
England 5-7 Poland - 17 July 2005

Excel Exhibition Centre, Docklands

It was a weekend of mixed emotions for the England Futsal Team during their double-header exhibition games against Poland.

Graeme Dell’s young team went down in both matches, which formed part of this year’s Grassroots Football Show at the Excel Exhibition Centre at London’s Docklands.

As expected, it was a tough pair of games for England against a side ranked 39 places above them in the FIFA ranking list. But since day one, which was only last January, National Coach Graeme Dell has been keen to test his side against the World’s best and would have been pleased by the performances of his men.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Three Lions faced the Poles - a nation with a 15-year Futsal head start on England - boasting stars from their professional Futsal league.

Visitors to the Grassroots Football Show saw two very different performances from Dell’s team but a vibrant introduction to FIFA’s official version of 5-a-side.

Saturday’s defeat came in a game littered with passing mistakes and the Polish were gifted with three of their four goals at the interval.

England came out looking a team beyond their 66th world ranking position and pressurised their opponents with great effect with Moor Green’s Richard Follett pulling back two superbly crafted goals much to the delight of the home crowd.

Poland soon capitalised on sloppy passing and the speed of their counter-attack left Dell to reflect on a balance of good and bad.

The re-match on Sunday evening was a different story, with both teams rested and with much to reflect upon, England set out their strategy early with a goal from the irrepressible Marc Canham.

However, once more, passing mistakes cost dearly as the visitors thundered two replies to go in ahead at the break.

When the teams returned, England were clearly demonstrating their futsal understanding and created a multitude of chances, but Poland’s professional experience was evident to see as they added to their first half lead.

Slough Town’s Glen Harris gave England a life-line with two more goals followed by one-a-piece for captain Alex Sykes and debutante Matt Hann but it wasn't quite enough.

"It showed that we have come a long way in the last six months," said Dell. "I am delighted with the performance and the fans were clearly impressed by the way we have played.

"The players all realise that we have come very close tonight to our first win, and against an experienced and well organised team of great international standing and our progress is evident."



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com