Courtesy: UEFA.com

Werner bolsters holders' squad

Thursday 1 November 2007

by Lucy Turner from Barcelona

José Venancio has named Juan Ignacio Werner in an otherwise familiar Spain squad for their defence of the UEFA European Futsal Championship from 16 to 25 November in Portugal.

Familiar faces
Werner only made his international bow this week, as Spain beat Romania 4-1 and 6-1 in friendlies, but the 29-year-old did enough to earn his place among the 14. Venancio will rely on the core of the group that claimed the continental crown in 2005 and successfully defended the FIFA Futsal World Cup the year before – including goalkeeper Luis Amado, Kike, Javi Rodríguez and Daniel, who missed the last finals with a knee injury.

Making the cut
Back-up goalkeeper Cristian Domínguez returns to the fold after seven months out, and Jordi Torras and Marcelo Dos Reis have overcome injuries to make the cut. Venancio, who only succeeded Javier Lozano in September after his predecessor's sudden departure to Real Madrid FC, will lead the side in a friendly against Kazakhstan on 9 November before opening their finals campaign against Ukraine eight days later. Serbia and Russia are Spain's other Group B opponents.

Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Luis Amado (Interviú Fadesa), Juanjo (El Pozo Murcia FS), Cristian (FC Barcelona).

Field players: Kike (El Pozo Murcia FS), Torras (Interviú Fadesa), Javi Eseverri (MRA Navarra FS), Ortiz (MRA Navarra FS), Álvaro (El Pozo Murcia FS), Andreu (Interviú Fadesa), Javi Rodríguez (Móstoles 2008 FS), Daniel (Interviú Fadesa), Werner (Azkar Lugo FS), Marcelo (Azkar Lugo FS).



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