Courtesy: UEFA.com


Duarte sets out hosts' futsal plans

Tuesday 23 October 2007

Coach Orlando Duarte has unveiled Portugal's squad for next month's UEFA European Futsal Championship on home territory in Porto.

Leitão chance
Stalwart André Lima and goalkeeper Bebé are out through injury but uncapped A. Lobelle de Santiago FS player Leitão has been given a first call-up along with Formiga, back after a long lay-off. Portuguese champions SL Benfica supply five of the 14-strong squad, who meet Greece in two friendlies at the Multiusos de Gondomar Coração de Ouro on 30 and 31 October before returning to the same venue from 16 November for Group A fixtures against Italy, the Czech Republic and Romania. Duarte said: "Portugal want to win every time and we know just how far we can get in the competition. We hope to have reasons to celebrate on 25 November. The Portuguese futsal family deserves it."

Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: João Benedito (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Cristiano (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Alex (Boavista FC).
Outfield players: Israel (AR Freixieiro), Ivan (AR Freixieiro), Formiga (Burela FS Pescados Rubén), Marcelinho (DKV Seguros Zaragoza), Leitão (A. Lobelle de Santiago FS), Joel Queirós (MRA Navarra), Arnaldo Pereira (SL Benfica), Gonçalo Alves (SL Benfica), Pedro Costa (SL Benfica), Ricardinho (SL Benfica), Zé Maria (SL Benfica).



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