Courtesy: UEFA.com

Russia book place in Portugal

Friday, 23 February 2007

Russia became the first team to make it to the finals of the 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship after victory in their qualifying round Group F decider against Hungary while former champions Italy began their Group A campaign in impressive style.

Hungary heartbreak
Hosting the mini-tournament at the Diego Sport Hall in Dabas, Hungary went into their meeting with Russia knowing that a draw would be enough to see them progress to this November's tournament courtesy of their better goal record. However, after a promising start Mihály Kozma's side conceded two goals in three minutes just before the break - Vladislav Shayakhmetev (16) edging Russia in front before Pelé (18) doubled the lead.

Christopolov double
The Russians, 1999 winners, then made sure that their record of having qualified for every European finals since the competition started in 1996 would continue as Pavel Christopolov struck twice (26 and 35) and Marat Azizov rounded off the victory two minutes from time. Azizov's evening would end on a sour note though after he was sent-off just before the final whistle. Lithuanian, meanwhile, finished third in Group F after a 5-1 victory against Greece.

Italy impress
Elsewhere, 2003 champions Italy showed their intent on regaining the title with a resounding 12-1 Group A success on home territory in Martina Franca. Alessandro Nuccorini's team's next challenge comes on Saturday when they face a Turkish side smarting from a 3-1 reverse at the hands of Belarus in their opening game.

Czechs close-in
In Split 2005 host nation, the Czech Republic edged closer to a place in Portugal by winning their second Group E match in as many days against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The 4-2 win means victory against Croatia on Sunday will seal their path in the eight-team finals competition. Slovenia are even closer to booking their spot, meanwhile, as their 4-2 victory against Romania left them needing only a point from their final Group G game, against Belgium.

Poland test
Poland also made it two wins out of two in Pinto as they followed up their opening night 8-0 thrashing of Cyprus with a 2-1 success against Macedonia. The Poles are likely to face the daunting task of having to overcome holders and hosts Spain in their final match for Group C supremacy however. Group D will also see a last day decider when Serbia and the Netherlands go head-to-head in Geleen. The two teams are currently tied on four points after the Dutch beat Finland 2-1 and Serbia drew 5-5 against Azerbaijan on the second matchday. It is hosts the Netherlands who hold the advantage with a better goal difference meaning a draw will see them through.



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