Courtesy: UEFA.com

Azzurri continue free-scoring form

Saturday, 24 February 2007

Italy will only need a draw against Belarus on Monday to reach the 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship after securing a second comfortable win in qualifying round Group A.

Free-scoring Italy
Staging the mini-tournament in Martina Franca, Italy defeated France 12-1 yesterday and today overcame tournament debutants Turkey 8-2 to end their impressive first campaign, which began in the preliminary round. Belarus had earlier beaten France 5-1 to add to their 3-1 victory against Turkey, but must defeat the 2003 champions in the deciding match to pip Alessandro Nuccorini's side to a place in Porto this November.

Group deciders
On Sunday four of the six remaining berths in those finals alongside hosts Portugal and Group F winners Russia will be decided. Holders Spain will go through with a draw in Pinto against Poland in Group C while the Czech Republic must defeat Croatia in Split to pip them to first place in Group E. A point would do for Slovenia against Belgium, who require a Group G win as do Romania against eliminated Moldova to have any hope of first place. Serbia lead Group D on goal difference from the Netherlands, but either would qualify with a win when they meet in Geleen while Azerbaijan must beat Finland and hope for a low-scoring draw in the other match, which kicks off second. Group B, involving home team Andorra, seeds Ukraine, Slovakia and Israel, begins on Tuesday.



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