Courtesy: UEFA

Benfica pegged back by Morlanwelz

Monday, 30 January 2006

by Rui Matos Pereira

from Pavilhão do Luz

SL Benfica drew for the second time on home territory in UEFA Futsal Cup second qualifying round Group A to leave both their and Cristal Noir MB Morlanwelz's hopes of reaching the semi-finals in the balance.

Morlanwelz hold on
Having been held by Kairat Almaty on Sunday, the 2004 finalists were hoping to get back on track by a team defeated 11-0 by Boomerang Interviù. But despite falling behind, the Belgian side fought back to equalise and clung on to keep their hopes alive.

Renato saves
Morlanwelz started in confident mood with quick one-twos and shots from outside the box. But Benfica had the early chances, André Lima and Rogério Vilela forcing two Renato saves. Ricardinho and Jacob of Morlanwelz then both struck the post in the space of a minute while Renato was again called upon to deny Benfica's own Ricardinho.

Benfica lead
Five minutes before the break Benfica went ahead thanks to a strong shot from captain André Lima. Jacob and Ricardinho had time to again hit the woodwork prior to half-time but Benfica went in ahead.

Scores level
However, Benfica's nerves began to grow in the second half as time went on and the lead remained at one goal. So it was no surprise when Morlanwelz equalised in the 25th minute, Roberto's clever work setting up Betinho to tap in.

Liliu close
Now Benfica were forced to push hard, aiming for a win that would ensure they did not have to beat Boomerang on Wednesday. But Renato was magnificent, making 14 second-half saves in all. Liliu even nearly clinched victory for Morlanwelz, but he struck the bar with a first-time half-volley.

Wednesday deciders
With Boomerang beating Kairat 5-2 to win the group, Morlanwelz must defeat the Kazakhstan side on Wednesday and hope Benfica do not beat Boomerang. Benfica, meanwhile, will go through if they gain revenge on the side that beat them in the 2004 final, while a draw will be enough if the other game also finishes level. If Benfica lose by less than 5-2, they must hope the other game is a goalless draw, while a smaller defeat will allow Benfica to go through if the other game ends 1-1.




Courtesy: UEFA

Boomerang ensure first place

Monday, 30 January 2006

by Rui Matos Pereira

from Pavilhão do Luz

Boomerang Interviù eased into the UEFA Futsal Cup semi-finals with with another comfortable second qualifying round Group A win against Kairat Almaty in Lisbon.

First place confirmed
The Spanish champions raced to a 5-1 half-time lead tonight, and having defeated Cristal Noir MB Morlanwelz 11-0 on Sunday, their six-point tally is not only enough for a top-two finish, but the draw between Morlanwelz and SL Benfica in today's other game means Boomerang will finish top of the pool and meet the Group B runners-up over two legs. Kairat, however, lie a point behind Benfica in third place and need results to go their way on Wednesday.

Schumacher out
With tonight's game the first of two, Boomerang could not be sure that a victory would secure first place. So they rested goalkeeper Luis Amado in favour of Rafa, and key man Schumacher, suspended on Sunday but suffering a slight illness today.

Vital goals
It took only two minutes for Boomerang to take the lead through a well-placed Daniel shot. Kairat levelled the score in the next move as Alexander Bondarev tucked in a pass from Cacau, but that just encouraged Boomerang to step up the pace and by half-time Marquinhos, Luis and brothers Andreu and Joan had all struck.

Boomerang relax
Now assured of going through, Boomerang sat back and allowed Kairat to push forward, Neto eventually pulling a goal back. In the final moments Cacau and Yuriy Butrin, who scored a hat-trick in Sunday's 3-3 draw with Benfica, both hit the post, but Boomerang's win was never in doubt.

Kairat hope
To reach the semi-finals Kairat must defeat Morlanwelz in Wednesday's first game and home Benfica fail to do likewise against 2004 European champions Boomerang. Alternatively, the Kazakhstani side need to gain a score draw and hope Benfica lose.



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