Courtesy: UEFA

Dinamo in control in Almaty

Thursday, 9 March 2006

by Timur Kamashev

from Baluan Sholak Sport Palace

MFK Dinamo Moskva have taken a giant step towards the UEFA Futsal Cup final after defeating FC Kairat Almaty 3-0 in Kazakhstan today.

Passionate crowd
The Russian champions, last season's runners-up, broke the deadlock in the fourth minute through Ukrainian international Olexiy Kudlay and never looked back in Almaty. Despite their best efforts and the support of a passionate crowd at the 4,000-seater Baluan Sholak Sport Palace, Kairat could not stop the Dinamo charge and will have it all to do when they travel to Moscow for the return on 24 March.

Quick counter
The opening goal came straight after a bright Kairat attack had foundered on a mistake by Neto. Dinamo broke quickly and were left with a two-on-one situation that allowed Kudlay to take full advantage. The home side refused to buckle, though, and came back strongly with plenty of opportunities to restore parity. An equaliser seemed inevitable. First, Kairat captain Etienne hit the post before prolific scorer Yuri Butrin just failed to connect with a fine cross from the right. Later in the half, Ricardo had perhaps the best opportunity of all to bring the scores level, only to find Dinamo goalkeeper Pavel Stepanov in outstanding form.

Tatu decisive
After the interval, Dinamo broke home hearts when recent recruit Tatu struck in the 28th minute, after going close several times. To make matters worse for Kairat, Russian forward Aleksandr Rakhimov added a third almost immediately on the rebound. Kairat again had chances of their own to reduce the deficit, as Butrin was twice denied, while Etienne also blasted a shot just wide of the top corner. Vaginho had the final chance to score a consolation, but he could not beat Stepanov when left one-on-one with Dinamo goalkeeper.

'Great spirit'
Victory was no more than Dinamo deserved after a strong attacking display that showed why they only just missed out on the title last year, while Gustavo in goal matched the form of his opposite number. However, goalscorer Rakhimov refused to believe the tie was over. "I think the score does not reflect the game," he said. "Kairat showed great spirit, and if their players had taken half of their chances it could have ended in a defeat for us. I wouldn't consider this tie as decided. Kairat are good in attack and this gives us a reason for concern."



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