Courtesy: UEFA.com


Karaka keep up their hopes

Friday, 14 October 2005

by Fuad Krvavac


MNK Karaka C.O. Mostar are aiming to get past the UEFA Futsal Cup first qualifying round at the third attempt as they stage Group 5 starting on Monday.

Spanish opposition
The champions of Bosnia-Herzegovina were third in their group in both 2002/03 and 2004/05, but as Boomerang Interviú and El Pozo Murcia FS were in those respective pools, their task was huge. As in 2002/03, they are at home, up against FCK De Hommel of the Netherlands, Azerbaijan's Araz Naxçivan and Belgian side Cristal Noir MB Morlanwelz on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

Vital encounter
Karaka coach Tomislav Curcic said: "Our championship hasn't started yet, so we haven't had many matches to play before the tournament. Anyway I hope we can surprise our rivals and fight for first place. Everything depends on the result of our first match against De Hommel, who next to the Belgians are favourites for the group."

Morlanwelz bow
That Belgian team, Morlanwelz, are making their debut - their participation facilitated as the country's perennial champions Action 21 Charleroi lifted the European trophy last season and qualify as holders. De Hommel are the only side in the section, other than Karaka, with experience of the tournament, having lost both matches at this stage in 2002/03.

Tough rivals
However, life will not be easy for whoever gets through to the second qualifying round: 2004 winners Boomerang and runners-up SL Benfica are already confirmed in the four-team pool in which the Group 5 winners will compete.



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