Courtesy: UEFA.com


Joel prophesises home success

Friday 16 November 2007

by Nuno Tavares from Porto

Portugal are hours away from beginning the 2007 UEFA Futsal Championship against Italy and forward Joel Queirós believes the hosts have what it takes to go all the way.

Hard work
The 25-year-old is well aware the huge task that awaits Orlando Duarte’s men in Group A, starting with their game against the 2003 champions, but nevertheless he remains confident of his team's chances. "Obviously my first thought is to become European champion," Joel told uefa.com. "We play at home which is an important factor. We have been training hard for the past two years since the last European Championship ended. We have played several friendlies against tough opposition and the results have been positive and encouraging so we are in a position to think we can go all the way."

Encouraging results
While Portugal have never reached the European semi-final and have not played competitively since the last tournament in February 2005, their friendly programme since has left them well tuned. Joel said: "We have faced very strong teams in Brazil, Italy, Spain, Ukraine; teams which always aim high in every single competition they enter. We recently lost against Brazil and that was an important test for us as it gave us an idea on just how far we can get. We also played Spain and did very well, they thought we were a very good team."

No pressure
Joel is also not concerned about the home fans' expectations. "Pressure is not having enough money to eat," he said. "We are here doing what we love most and playing in front of our fans, friends and family will motivate us even more. We have talked among ourselves and we know we have to forget everything around us and focus on our goal. We know we are not the best team around but we have a chance. We have to start well against Italy but the games against Romania and the Czech Republic are also very important and will not be as easy as everybody thinks."

Spanish lessons
While Portugal's league is strong, Spain boasts the best in the world and Joel has much experience of it, having spent three years at ElPozo Murcia FS, winning the last two titles, before a summer switch to MRA Navarra FS. "The Spanish league is the best one in the world because it features the best players and the best teams," Joel said, adding of a team-mate who this week expressed an interesting in crossing the border: "Ricardinho is an amazing player and he has what it takes to succeed there. I would love to see him playing there."




Courtesy: UEFA.com



Portugal open futsal finals

Friday 16 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Porto

The UEFA European Futsal Championship kicks off in Porto this evening with the continent's eight strongest nations competing over the next nine days for the trophy.

Opening games
Hosts Portugal launch the finals against 2003 winners Italy at the Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro at 18.30 local time (19.30CET) followed by the other Group A opener between the Czech Republic and first-time qualifiers Romania. The remaining contenders start their campaigns on Saturday, with holders Spain up against Ukraine and 2005 runners-up Russia facing Serbia.

Schedule
The group stage continues with games on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday – when two fixtures will be played at the Pavilhão Desportivo Municipal de Santo Tirso – and the top pair from each pool will progress to next Friday's semi-finals, two days before the final and third-place match. The tournament will be covered live on Eurosport and for the first time games will be streamed on uefa.com and free highlights will also be available on the site.

Veloso backing
Tickets are selling fast for the event, and Sporting Clube de Portugal midfielder Miguel Veloso gave his backing to the event in a recent uefa.com webchat, saying: "I only played futsal in the streets, but it helped me a lot to improve my skills and it is a sport that I like a lot. I will certainly pay attention to these finals, even if it is only on TV."



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Stalemate satisfies Duarte and Nuccorini

Friday 16 November 2007

by David Baño from Porto

Portugal coach Orlando Duarte was satisfied to have avoided defeat in the first match of the UEFA European Futsal Championship as the hosts were held to a goalless draw by Italy. Azzurri chief Alessandro Nuccorini echoed Duarte's thoughts of emerging from the opener unscathed and is looking forward to the return of his injured players for their next Group A games.

Orlando Duarte, Portugal coach
The championship only began tonight and so avoiding defeat is always a good result. We kept a very tight shape in front of Italy, who are a difficult opponent to face. Compared to two years ago we have more maturity and our standard of play is higher. Our preparation time before the tournament has also been longer and that has helped players to get to know each other better. Joel Queirós did not play, like Alex, because only 12 players can play. Both teams played in a very tight and defensive manner. Normally we tend to play in an attacking way in the Portuguese league, but we can't play that way with the national team. But so do the other teams as was shown by Italy tonight.

Alessandro Nuccorini, Italy coach
I'm sorry we did not see any goals tonight. The match was open until the end. I think a draw is a fair result although we did not play for it. In such a tournament, it is always a good result not to lose in the first game, so it's acceptable. I did not want to play without so many injured players but we will try to retrieve them [Sandro Zanetti and Vinicus Bacaro] later. I thank all my players who played today for giving everything they had.



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Jakab basks in high-scoring triumph

Friday 16 November 2007

by David Baño from Porto

Romania coach Zoltán Jakab hailed a "spectacular game" after the UEFA European Futsal Championship finals debutants recovered from losing 1-0, 2-1 and 4-2 leads to defeat the Czech Republic with four late goals in Group A. Jakab's opposite number Tomáš Neumann conceded that Romania were deserved winners as he looks to recover for their meeting with hosts Portugal on Sunday, when Romania face Italy.

Zoltán Jakab, Romania coach
It was a spectacular game between two teams at the same level. In futsal sometimes you can have a lot of goals and the score can change very quickly and that happened today. I'm happy that after it went to 4-4 my team scored again and again. When we were two goals up, we made two big mistakes because we were not defending the right way, so the key to winning this game was pressing the Czech players. That really turned the game in our favour.

Tomáš Neumann, Czech Republic coach
I want to congratulate Romania because they deserved to win. In the first half we were not able to turn our chances into goals. Then we managed to come back from two goals down to 4-4. But then, to my surprise, instead of improving the score, we completely collapsed. Romania fully deserved to win the game. What is important now is to recover psychologically and put the team back together.



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Romania rampant on finals debut

Friday 16 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro

First-time UEFA European Futsal Championship finalists Romania made a dream debut with a thrilling win against the Czech Republic in Group A.

Romania prevail
Twice the Czech Republic cancelled out Romanian leads in the first half, and the debutants also saw a 4-2 advantage disappear. But Loband Szöcs and Robert Lupu then struck before Florin Matei found the target twice late on to complete a hat-trick.

Response
The Czech Republic dominated the first ten minutes as Zdeněk Sláma and Vít Blažej threatened before Roman Mareš forced a save from László Klein. But Romania responded to deadly effect as although Florin Matei was denied by Libor Gerčák, seconds later he beat the goalkeeper.

Equalisers
That did not knock the Czech Republic off their stride and Tomáš Sluka hit the post. The equaliser arrived in unfortunate fashion for Romania as Gabriel Dobre turned in a Roman Mareš shot. Within two minutes, though, Cosmin Gherman had restored the Romanian lead after being set up by Lupu. It took only 40 seconds for the Czech Republic to equalise again, Martín Dlouhý's clever free-kick cut back to Sluka, who shot in through a sea of bodies.

Quick goals
Romania set about the second half in positive fashion, Lupu and Gherman combining superbly to set up Gabriel Molomfalean, who made Gerčák save. But Lupu then scored when he ran on to Molomfalean's long pass and slipped the ball past Gerčák. It was 4-2 within 60 seconds, Matei's cross from the left turned in at the near post by Molomfalean. Lukáš Rešetár reduced Czech arrears following a neat move involving both Mareš brothers and Sluka. And with ten minutes left they were level again, Roman Mareš tricking his way into the Romanian box and laying off for sibling Michal to strike.

Decisive strikes
Dlouhý shot over as he got behind the Romania defence, but yet again Romania went ahead, this time to decisive effect. Klein's clearance found Marian Şotarcă, and his ball to the far post was poked in by Szöcs. Matei then shrugged off a challenge and dummied a shot before laying off to the grateful Lupu to claim his second goal. With Gerčák now helping the Czech attack, Matei stroked into the unguarded net with little over three minutes left and he completed his hat-trick with a last-gasp penalty. Thanks to the opening draw between hosts Portugal and Italy, Romania sit atop Group A.



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Hosts hold out in opening stalemate

Friday 16 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro

The UEFA European Futsal Championship began with its first goalless draw in eight years as hosts Portugal and Italy cancelled each other out in Group A.

Italy frustrated
Portugal were involved in the last 0-0 result in this competition, drawing with Belgium in the opening game of the 1999 finals. Today they found life tough against 2003 winners Italy but the Azzurri were unable to convert their chances to create a repeat of their 8-3 defeat of Portugal in Ostrava two years ago.

Azzurri on top
Italy may have been without key men Sandro Zanetti and Vinicus Bacaro through injury but they had the better of the opening exchanges. Portugal's Pedro Costa did force an early save from Alexander Feller but after that Carlos Morgado shot just over after being set up by Edgar Bertoni, who was then denied by João Benedito.

Feller save
Leitão went on a mazy run as the hosts responded but slipped as he looked to poke the ball past Feller, and the goalkeeper then tipped an Arnaldo effort away. Suddenly the Azzurri were on the back foot but still posed a threat as Saad Assis forced Benedito into another save. The first half was petering out as a stalemate when suddenly Portugal came mightily close, Marcelinho and Leitão combining to set up Gonçalo, whose shot seemed to be creeping in but was clawed back by Feller.

Portugal hold out
Adriano Foglia turned a free-kick from 2005 finals top scorer Nando Grana into the side-netting early in the second half and another set-piece found its way to Assad Fabiano, his effort tipped over by Benedito. The keeper also denied Assis as Italy began to dominate possession to the obvious frustration of the hosts, whose attack was missing the injured Joel Queirós. Portugal did have a late chance after an indirect free-kick on the edge of the box but the hard-working Ricardinho's shot was blocked by Marcio Forte.



Courtesy: UEFA.com

Russia wary of determined Serbia

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Pavel Gognidze from Porto

Both Russia and Serbia know that UEFA European Futsal Championship Group B represents a difficult route to the semi-finals – meaning there is no room for error in their opening match on Saturday.

Difficult rivals
Oleg Ivanov's team were runners-up two years ago behind Spain, who open this group against former finalists Ukraine. And it is the identity of Russia's next two opponents which makes their quest for a good result against Serbia such an important one. Ivanov said: "We have world and European champions Spain, who need no introduction. They are a very strong team. Ukraine have won student world championships, they're former European runners-up, and now they have a new generation in the national team. They are motivated opponents who are looking to win."

Serbian determination
Yet that does not mean Ivanov underestimates their first rivals, despite having beaten Serbia and Montenegro 5-2 in 2005 qualifying, in the sides' only previous competitive meeting. "We know what kind of team they are – they are strong, powerful and don't like losing," he said. "The first match determines the mood and the course of the tournament. We are preparing seriously and we hope for success."

Club success
The coach has picked five players from UEFA Futsal Cup holders MFK Dinamo Moskva, including Brazilian-born duo Sirilo and Pelé Junior, plus four from fellow European club contenders MFK VIZ-Sinara Ekaterinburg in his 14-man squad. "International experience makes a team stronger," Ivanov said. "Dinamo are European champions at club level and the experience of their players will be invaluable. This year, VIZ-Sinara also did well in UEFA Cup qualifying. I think their young players who did well in those games will be useful to us."

Realism
Serbia coach Aca Kovačević has led his country to their first finals since Yugoslavia's 1999 participation, but is realistic about their hopes in Porto. "Just qualifying is a big success," he said. "With the exception of Italy, we have the best three teams in Europe in our group. Reaching the semi-finals would be a huge achievement for us, but of more importance is for futsal in Serbia to grow and to develop thanks to this tournament."

Opener
Not that Kovačević is ready to concede ground to the nation Yugoslavia emerged victorious over eight years ago in Spain. "Every goal and every game will be important for us, but the first game will set the pace for the whole competition," he said. "Let's see if we can beat Russia."



Courtesy: UEFA.com

Romania captain feels national pride

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Porto

Gabriel Molomfalean became the first man to lead Romania out in a major futsal finals last night – and helped them to an 8-4 victory.

Debut win
The defeat of the Czech Republic leaves Romania top of the nascent UEFA European Futsal Championship Group A table, and with the tantalising prospect that a victory against Italy on Sunday would take them into the semi-finals. But the mere fact of winning on their debut in a final tournament was pleasure enough for Molomfalean.

'Fighting spirit'
"We are in this sort of competition for the first time," Molomfalean told uefa.com. "We have got a good result today and we are proud of this achievement. We hope to cause a real surprise in the coming games. We had a good fighting spirit and we aim to keep this up."

Dramatic match
Romania led twice in the first half – only to concede equalisers each time. Molomfalean then made a goal and scored another to put his team 4-2 up, and although that advantage disappeared four answered strikes late on put the game beyond the Czech Republic. Quick balls from the back were the key to the Romanian victory, along with the team spirit that Molomfalean puts down to the fact that virtually all his squad-mates also play together at his club, UEFA Futsal Cup regulars CIP Deva.

Preparations
"It is important for us that we are together at the same club," Molomfalean said. "We are the champions of Romania and a strong club. Before today we have played big games against stronger teams and this helped us win today. We prepared for this game and thought about defending strongly and scoring on the counterattack. We achieved this, and now we aim to do the same against Italy and Portugal."




Courtesy: UEFA.com

Zamyatin issues Ukraine rallying cry

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Pavel Gognidze from Porto

Valeriy Zamyatin has promised that Ukraine will give their all as they open UEFA European Futsal Championship Group B against defending champions Spain this afternoon.

Giving their all
Ukraine's first two opponents are 2005 finalists Spain and Russia, meaning the two-time runners-up will need to hit the ground running if their hopes of reaching the last four are to remain alive when they face Serbia on Wednesday. Zamyatin is in no doubt about that. "I think we have to give all we have in this game against Spain," the FC Yenakievets player told uefa.com. "If we lose, then we will have two matches left and less energy. Russia are not weaker than Spain, so it will be even tougher to pick up points. Serbia are of the same class as us, and it will hard to play them as well. We will motivate ourselves specifically for the first game. We need to do as well as possible."

Disappointing record
However, Ukraine have a poor record against Spain, with four defeats in as many meetings in the last three tournaments, including the 2001 final and most recently the semis in Ostrava two years ago, a game in which Zamyatin was involved. "We lost 5-0 and it was really disappointing for us," the 28-year-old said. "Of course I remember playing against them, they're the magicians of the ball, and an exceptionally strong team. It's difficult to play them."

Gameplan
However, Zamyatin has a gameplan for the young Ukraine team in their encounter with the holders in Porto. "We should be very careful in defence and should play with maximum determination and will to win," he said. "We should break the jinx of always losing to Spain. We sometimes beat Russia, but we have never been able to do anything against Spain."



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Pavićević predicts Serbia surprise

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Porto

Serbia are in their first UEFA European Futsal Championship finals since Yugoslavia qualified in 1999, but are many people's outsiders in Group B, where they meet holders Spain two-time runners-up Ukraine, and today's opponents Russia, second two years ago. But Serbia captain Bojan Pavićević is insistent that the only team in the group never to have reached the final can make the last four.

Spirit
"The spirit in our team is really good," Pavićević told uefa.com. "We don't have to win the group, we can come second. This is our chance and we have focused everything on the first game against Russia, the most important game in this tournament. If we win we have a good chance to go through, if we lose we will not have a real chance against Spain."

Chance taken
There is a certain irony about Serbia meeting Russia and Spain in their first two games, as those are the teams who between them denied Pavićević's side in qualifying in the past three editions. This time Serbia qualified with wins against the Netherlands and Finland and a draw with Azerbaijan, games Pavićević missed through suspension. "For we were not drawn with Spain and Russia in qualifying," he said. "If this situation had happened before, we could have qualified before. It was a big chance and we don’t miss chances like that."

Cirilo threat
Pavićević has an important role at the back for Serbia, and he knows who he will be watching hardest today. "Our most important task is to stop Sirilo, he is a very good forward," the 32-year-old said. "It is important for us to stop them in front of goal."

Club bond
But Serbia have an important weapon – seven of their squad, including Pavićević, are from the same club, KMF Marbo Beograd. "It is very important for us as so many of us have played together for years for the same club," Pavićević said. "It gives us a good understanding, we know each other inside out."



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Ukraine aim to surprise champions

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Porto

The opening game in UEFA European Futsal Championship Group B on Saturday could almost be drawn from central casting – holders Spain against Ukraine, the only past finalists never to have won the title.

Spain edge
This is not the first time these teams have opened against each other, as in 2001 Spain prevailed 4-1 before winning 2-1 when they met again in the final. That form has continued, with Spain gaining a 3-0 victory in the 2003 group stage, when Ukraine were to finish runners-up behind Italy, and a 5-0 success in the semi-finals last time around. But the coach who masterminded those Spanish triumphs, Javier Lozano, stepped down in September and his replacement, José Venancio, believes their title defence will be the trickiest yet.

'Difficult'
"This is the most difficult European Championship of recent years," Venancio said. "The level of play has improved a lot and all the teams are very strong. All eight teams who qualified deserved to qualify. We have a strong group. Ukraine are an experienced team who have already played in the final. We want to go step by step and reach the semi-finals."

Continuity
Venancio is facing his first competitive game in charge, yet emphasises the continuity with the 15-year Lozano era. "It's a new era for Spain, but things have not changed that much," he said. "We have kept the structure in the team and most of the players are the same."

Group task
Gennadiy Lysenchuk led Ukraine to the 2001 and 2003 finals, and indeed in all their previous encounters with Spain in this tournament, but having reached the last four for three editions in a row, he admits it will be tougher this time – with 2005 runners-up Russia also in the group alongside Serbia. "I think the champions of Europe will come from this group, no offence to Group A favorites Italy and Portugal," Lysenchuk said. "The task for us and Serbia is to cause an upset."

'Young side'
While the coach remains the same, familiar figures such as 2001 and 2003 finals top scorer Serhiy Koridze are no longer involved, and the young Ukraine side could not have hoped for a tougher start than against Spain. "We have a very young team and they are looking forward to the chance to see what they are capable of against such opponents," he said. "It will be hard, but we hope to surprise the whole of Europe."




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