Courtesy: UEFA.com


Gercak blow means Krayzel call-up

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Porto

Czech Republic goalkeeper Libor Gercak is out of the UEFA European Futsal Championship through injury and has been replaced by the experienced Petr Krayzel.

Knee injury
Gerčák damaged knee cartilage in Friday's 8-4 defeat by Romania in their opening Group A game, and although he was able to play out the encounter he will not be fit to continue in Porto. Krayzel, 36, took part in the European final tournaments of 2001, 2003 and 2005 as well as the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Cup. The Czech Republic continue their campaign on Sunday against hosts Portugal and meet Italy three days later.



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Ivanov relieved after close call

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Nuno Tavares from Porto

Russia coach Oleg Ivanov breathed a sign of relief as his team edged to victory in their opening UEFA European Futsal Championship Group B fixture with Serbia. The underdogs came back from two down to make it 3-3 before Cirilo completed a hat-trick and put the 2005 runners-up level on three points with holders Spain. Serbia's Aca Kovačević bemoaned defensive errors but remained upbeat.

Aca Kovačević, Serbia coach
It was a very hard and tight match, but maybe our players weren’t prepared for this game. Nevertheless we tried our best. The most important thing today were the two defensive mistakes we made, which allowed Russia to take the points. The group is very well-balanced and we’ll do our best to get a place in the semi-finals.

Oleg Ivanov, Russia coach
Today's match was very complicated with lots of goals. Serbia showed why they qualified for these finals. Maybe the fact we scored the first goal so early made our team relax too much. As we all know, if we don't score goals we risk being caught out and that's what happened today. We missed several chances in the first half and then Serbia scored their first chance of the second. It was a very hard-fought win for us and now we'll aim to perfect our game for the next matches. This win is very important mainly because it was our first match of the tournament. Cirilo is a strong forward who is capable of deciding a match on his own. He provides us with more tactical options and we are profiting from that. Now we must deal with Ukraine.



Courtesy: UEFA.com

Venancio happy with holders' start

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Nuno Tavares from Porto

José Venancio, who took over as Spain coach when Javier Lozano ended his 15-year reign in September, had a happy competitive bow as they began their UEFA European Futsal Championship defence with a classy defeat of Ukraine in Group B. Venancio was delighted with how his team responded to losing a two-goal lead while Ukraine coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk bemoaned mistakes at crucial moments, especially when Spain were temporarily down to four men after Javi Eseverri was sent off.

José Venancio, Spain coach
First of all I want to congratulate Ukraine because they played very well and they were worthy opponents. It was a great match with lots of quality moments. I think we won the match due to our tactics. From the moment they made it 2-2 we raised the tempo and went in search of more goals. We succeeded in that and ended any doubts about who would win. The first half was more difficult, mainly due to nerves. In the second half we had more possession and more space to play. I don't think we changed that much when compared with the previous coaching staff as we have not had much time, but I think we improved on dead balls.

Gennadiy Lysenchuk, Ukraine coach
We lost against a great team who are world champions. It was a pity because I think we could have managed a draw or even a win. However, there was a moment when we lost control. We made several mistakes which I think shouldn't happen with a team like this one. When we managed to equalise we should have scored a third goal right away but instead we allowed them to score on the counterattack and then they scored three more goals. We lost this game but not the championship. We will do everything in our power to defeat Russia and Serbia as we are aiming for the medals. I always thought that our experienced players would show the younger ones how to win at this level but our goalkeeper and our captain made two blunders which are not acceptable at this level. When Spain were down to four players I told my team at half-time that we had to score straight away. However, they didn't even have a single shot. I really can't understand what happened.




Courtesy: UEFA.com

Cirilo stars as Russia get going

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro

Cirilo underlined his status as one of the best futsal players in the world with a tremendous hat-trick to give Russia victory against Serbia.

Sublime winner
His two first-half strikes seemed to have put 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship runners-up Russia in control, but a flurry of goals after the break allowed Serbia to pull it back to 3-3. However a sublime effort by Cirilo and a late Vladislav Shayakhmetov clincher ensured Russia joined holders Spain on three Group B points.

Early goal
Russia started with Brazilian-born duo Pelé Junior and Cirilo, who were naturalised this year, and both made an immediate impact. Pelé shot wide on 42 seconds and just past the one-minute mark Cirilo marked his competitive debut with a superb goal as he turned Serbia captain Bojan Pavićević and, as he fell, shot past 43-year-old goalkeeper Predrag Brzaković.

Lead doubled
Serbia gradually settled in the game with Željko Borojević troubling the Russia defence, but even after Pelé and Cirlio were given a rest the 1999 champions continued to press and Shayakhmetov twice made Brzaković save. Predrag Rajić showed some nice footwork before rattling the post, while at the other end Pavel Chistopolov somehow turned Shayakhmetov's free-kick wide. However, Cirilo returned to the pitch and scored again, pouncing after Brzaković parried a Pavel Kobzar shot. Serbia ended the first half brightly but openings were hard to come by.

Quick response
But that changed just four minutes into the second half, Vladan Cvetanović's angled pass played perfectly for Rajić to rifle in. Russia’s response was instant, Kobzar's cross given a strong finish by Damir Khamadiev. That did not dishearten Serbia, who again pulled one back as the impressive Marko Perić struck in from outside the box.

Russia prevail
Certainly, Serbia were belying their status as underdogs in their first final tournament for eight years, more than holding their own and Rajić equalised with exactly ten minutes left after another fine pass from Cvetanović. Serbia had their chances but Cirilo completed his hat-trick in style as he chipped over Igor Šoša and shot in before Shayakhmetov put the result beyond doubt.




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Spain underline champion status

Saturday 17 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro

UEFA European Futsal Championship holders Spain got their title defence off to a good start after they survived losing a two-goal lead to defeat Ukraine in Group B.

Comeback thwarted
Kike made the opening goal for Marcelo before adding another himself and although Serhiy Cheporniuk struck either side of half-time to level, Spain soon regained control. Álvaro, Jordi Torras, Daniel and Marcelo again all struck to dash Ukraine's hopes of avoiding a fifth defeat by Spain in four European final tournaments.

Spain on top
Within four minutes Kike had gone close three times as Spain began brightly. Spain No1 Luis Amado did not have a shot to stop until the 15th minute from Sergiy Taranchuk and within seconds of that, the reigning champions were ahead. Kike spotted Vasyl Sukhomlinov off his line and tried a chip from distance which the goalkeeper parried only for Marcelo to send the rebound into the net.

Ukraine hope
Sukhomlinov had better luck in blocking a Torras effort, but Javi Rodríguez's corner was then teed up perfectly for Kike to volley in. Cheporniuk pulled one back within 17 seconds and there was a blow for Spain at the end of the first half when Javi Eseverri was booked twice in quick succession.

Equaliser
Ukraine were not able to exploit their one-man surplus that lasted until 90 seconds after the break, although Serhiy Sytin did force Amado into a save. Back to their full complement on the pitch, Spain moved forward and Kike's snap-shot was not far wide. However, Ukraine were level on 26 minutes as Cheporniuk raced up the field after a Spain corner and gave Amado no chance.

Holders pull away
A Spain counterattack immediately restored their lead, however, Ortiz setting up Álvaro and with eight minutes left Kike made another goal, his cross turned in by Torras. Daniel's shot from distance then increased the lead further and after Marcelo had been foiled by Sukhomlinov's superb point-blank save and the post, he finally made it six with his second goal of the game late on.




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Italy represent step up for Romania

Sunday 18 November 2007

by Paul Saffer & Nuno Tavares from Porto

Romania were rank outsiders at the start of their first UEFA European Futsal Championship finals campaign, but their hopes were transformed by an 8-4 defeat of the Czech Republic. And if they cause another upset and beat 2003 winners Italy in their second Group A game on Sunday in Porto, Romania will be the first team into the semi-finals.

Matei heroics
The opening victory was in fact the best by any nation making their first appearance at this stage, and Romania were only one goal short of equalling the record tally for one team in a finals game, Russia's 9-6 win against the Netherlands in 1999. Florin Matei was Romania's hero, claiming both a hat-trick and the Carlsberg Man of the Match award, and he is basking in the acclaim though remains realistic about their hopes against Italy and hosts Portugal in their remaining fixtures.

Tough task
"I didn't expected it to be like this," Matei told uefa.com. "It's a big, big surprise. But despite this win I still think we only have a 30 per cent chance of qualifying. That's because Portugal and Italy are such strong teams. Nevertheless we'll do our best."

Jakab hope
Coach Zoltán Jakab has now led Romania to a new high, having been appointed not long after their first futsal team was set up in 2003, and is now looking forward to his side's first encounter with one of futsal's global forces. "I was very satisfied about my players and I hope to perform well against Italy," Jakab said. "With this result we can now start dreaming of causing a surprise in this tournament."

Bacaro back
Italy drew 0-0 with Portugal on Friday, and probably had the better of the play against the hosts. Coach Alessandro Nuccorini could welcome back Vinicius Bacaro from a knee injury and Sandro Zanetti may also return to the 12-strong matchday squad and the Azzurri chief is now looking to step up a gear. "Now we need two victories to go through," Nuccorini said. "The next game will be very difficult. It was useful to get a point considering we were playing Portugal in Portugal."

Club Romania
Friday's result ended Italy's run of 15 consecutive wins, but although they remain unbeaten in 29 games since the 2005 European semi-final against Russia, Nuccorini is a wary of a Romania team almost all of whom also play under Jakab at his club CIP Deva. "We have seen their qualification games against Belgium and Slovenia and their club team in the UEFA Futsal Cup," Nuccorini said. "Most of the players have been together the whole season. They play in a very strong way. It will be a very difficult game and we will have to show our best."



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Portugal aim to hit winning form

Sunday 18 November 2007

by Paul Saffer from Porto

UEFA European Futsal Championship hosts Portugal began the tournament with the first 0-0 draw in the finals for eight years. But having been held by Italy, they are now keen on victory as they meet a Czech Republic side smarting from an 8-4 defeat by Romania.

Winning aim
Portugal always knew their opening Group A game would be tough as they were beaten convincingly by the Azzurri two years ago in Ostrava, but with a passionate home crowd behind them there was no repeat this time, and on Sunday they aim to take a big step towards the semi-finals. "We want to win the next two games," coach Orlando Duarte said. "It does not matter if we are first or second, we just want to go through. We have to win with our heads and not with our emotions. I also thank the fans who have supported us well. Until Friday we were fully focused on Italy. Now we have watched the Czech Republic and will completely focus on that game."

Hard work
Israel played an important role in Portugal shutting out the 2003 champions, and he added: "We have worked hard for the last two years and now we are profiting from that. Everybody is talking about Portugal winning the European Championship but our main goal remains the same: to qualify for the semi-finals."

Recovery
However, that is a tough objective for the Czech Republic after their Matchday 1 defeat by first-time finalists Romania. Three times Tomáš Neumann's side cancelled out deficits but they had no answer to four late Romanian goals and another loss to Portugal would end their hopes with one game to go. "It is difficult to understand what happened," Neumann said. "We will have to see the videotapes, but the goals were due to a certain fear during the game. What is important now is to recover psychologically and put the team together." His cause has not been helped by a knee injury to goalkeeper Libor Gerčák, forcing his replacement by the experienced Petr Krayzel, while David Filinger remains suspended for another two games.

Plans awry
Tomáš Sluka, who is taking time out from playing for Czech second division football team SFC Opava to represent his nation at futsal, is well aware of how difficult it will now be to achieve their dream of repeating their 2003 run to the semi-finals. "There were times we played well but than we made a lot of mistakes and they scored several times on the counterattack," he told uefa.com, adding that Romania were the opponents they believed they were most likely to defeat. "That's what we thought before the match but now we have to beat very strong teams like Portugal and Italy if we are to secure one of the two top places in the group."




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Bacaro focused as comeback nears

Sunday 18 November 2007

by David Baño & Paul Saffer from Murcia

Vinicius Bacaro won the final for Italy in 2003 - and hopes to return this week (©sportsfile)When Italy stepped out for the opening game of the UEFA European Futsal Championship, there was one notable absentee from the playing squad. Vinicius Bacaro, who scored the winning goal in the 2003 final, had a knee injury and although he is at the finals, he sat out the 0-0 draw against hosts Portugal.

Knee problem
Next up today are Romania, and Bacaro is nearing a comeback – at least against the Czech Republic on Wednesday. "We have been quite cautious to avoid aggravating the injury," he told uefa.com. "I have to correct a problem with my knee. I have been building strength in the knee for the last two weeks, this is how I had to prepare for this tournament."

Pressure
Bacaro was not the only distinguished spectator on the opening day as mong those also in the stands was UEFA President Michel Platini. "The first game is very important and you can't avoid feeling a bit anxious," Bacaro said. "We also saw Mr Platini, so it was both a motivation and increased the pressure. It was a tactical game - nobody wanted to lose, and the most important is that we didn't lose. Now qualification is in our hands. We need to win the remaining two games."

Romanian threat
The first of those is against Romania, who beat the Czech Republic 8-4 on their finals debut after Italy met Portugal. ElPozo Murcia FS forward Bacaro is certainly not taking them lightly. "We were very impressed by Romania's performance," he said. "I had talked to my friends in the Spanish league, Kike and Álvaro, who played them in a friendly not so long ago and they told me that they were a good team. It's simply impressive as they only started their league about three years ago. We will have to be very cautious. We can not afford to lose against them as our chances to qualify will be dramatically reduced. This game will be decisive for qualification."



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Hosts take heart from opening draw

Sunday 18 November 2007

by Nuno Tavares & Paul Saffer from Porto

Hosts Portugal began the UEFA European Futsal Championship against Italy with that rarest of things in the small-sided game – a 0-0 draw. However, that hard test has only increased their hunger for success.

Positive
Pedro Costa was among the hard-working Portugal players that shut out the 2003 champions, and is upbeat ahead of their next Group A game today against the Czech Republic, beaten 8-4 by Romania. "Our objective was to win and not to draw but we have to remain positive because we were facing one of the best teams around," he told uefa.com. "Besides that we are now even more confident for our remaining matches. Both teams had chances to score and unfortunately the match ended without a single goal but was a fair result. The two goalkeepers were outstanding and that helps to explain why it was a goalless draw.”

Fans' support
Portugal have never progressed past the group stage in this competition, but with the Czechs and Romania to come in their section, the hosts have a great chance – especially with their fans behind them in Gondomar. "Our goal for this event is to go as far as possible," Pedro Costa said. "At the moment we are focused on getting to the semi-finals and after that anything is possible. Italy were only the most difficult opponents in theory and we'll have to approach each game with the same motivation and concentration. The fans were simply amazing and I want to thank them for their support."

Aim
His team-mate Israel shares Pedro Costa’s optimism. "A draw is always a good result if you are facing Italy," he said. "We are on the right track for our main goal which is to advance from the group stage. This is not the first time we have drawn against Italy although we never managed to beat them."



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Spain star Kike aiming to do it again

Sunday 18 November 2007

by David Baño & Paul Saffer from Porto

Spain player Kike hardly needs to add to his haul of honours - two FIFA Futsal World Cups, two UEFA European Futsal Championships, more than 100 caps and two Spanish titles with ElPozo Murcia FS, as well as being three-times league player of the year.

Team performance
On Saturday he was named Carlsberg Man of the Match for his sublime performance in helping his nation defeat Ukraine 6-2 in the opening game of their European title defence, scoring one goal and making two more. However, the 29-year-old was happy to share the credit with his colleagues. "It was a great team performance," Kike told uefa.com. "All the players contributed to this win. It's an important victory against difficult opponents. It's the first step for us to win this title again."

Challengers
No team has successfully defended this title but Spain showed they were more than capable of doing that by retaining the World Cup in Chinese Taipei three years ago, Kike opening the scoring in the final against Italy. "For Spain, there is no other objective than to win," Kike said. "We always give our best, as we don't have the luxury of resting on our laurels. Of course, we are both European and world champions. Therefore we have come to Portugal to defend our title, but everyone wants to win it, so it won't be easy."

High standard
Indeed, the tight 0-0 draw between hosts Portugal and the last team to beat Spain in this competition, Italy - not no mention Russia's 5-3 win against Serbia - showed that the holders' main rivals are in form. "The standard is very high," Kike said. "We saw a very cautious game between Portugal and Italy but I think from now on we will see more attacking football and I’m convinced we will see more goals for the fans to enjoy. Obviously I hope Spain win it again."

Serbian ability
To do that, they have to avoid slipping up on Monday against Serbia. Kike said: "I know that team quite well, because I played against most of their players in the UEFA Futsal Cup [when Murcia faced KMF Marbo Beograd]. Serbia have improved a lot. They are physically very strong, but also technically as well. Marko Perić is becoming very important in that team. I'm sure it will be a difficult game."



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