Courtesy:
UEFA.comIvanov gracious in Russian victoryMonday 19 November 2007by
Nuno Tavares from Porto
Although Russia's 4-1 win against Ukraine, coupled with Spain's 1-1 draw with Serbia, puts the 2005 runners-up into the UEFA European Futsal Championship semi-finals, victorious coach Oleg Ivanov had words of praise for his opponents, especially the way they marked star man Cirilo. However, Ukraine cannot advance from Group B and coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk is not hiding his disappointment.
Gennadiy Lysenchuk, Ukraine coach To tell the truth I'm extremely sad with this result. Looking at the first half we should have scored two goals. The fact we conceded an own goal after hitting the post affected us greatly. Our young players didn't manage to take advantage of the several chances they created and were unable to score. I want to congratulate Russia but I think we deserved to win today. However, the team who scores more goals wins and Russia managed just that so now I hope they become European champions.
Oleg Ivanov, Russia coach We knew that Ukraine would do everything in their power to win this match. They played very defensively and tried to peg us back in the counterattack and that's why we only managed to score our first goal right at the end of the first half. They are very worthy opponents and they are renovating their team and I wish them the best of luck. I'm glad we are pretty much through to the semi-finals. Our team has 14 players and today I decided not to field the players who were not so inspired in the first game. The Ukraine studied Cirilo's game very well as there were always two or three players marking him. He knew he could take advantage of that by passing the ball to his team-mates but sometimes he is a bit selfish. Nevertheless, he still managed to score. Now we are ready to face Spain.
Courtesy:
UEFA.comKovacevic rejoices at Serbia surpriseMonday 19 November 2007by
Nuno Tavares from Porto
It seemed as if UEFA European Futsal Championship holders Spain were through to the semi-finals. But then Predrag Rajić equalised with 37 seconds to go to give Serbia a point and keep their hopes alive in Group B though they must beat Ukraine on Wednesday and hope Spain fall to Russia. Spain coach José Venancio is confident their campaign is not over while Serbia's Aca Kovacevic hailed his "simply amazing" defence.
José Venancio, Spain coachFirst of all I want to congratulate Serbia because they played superbly. They were in control and we weren't at our best. We made several mistakes in transitions and that led to problems in creating chances. I don't think we started defending the 1-0 advantage too soon. What happened is that Serbia defended very well and we had to attack with cool heads because if we lost the ball they could made us pay on the counterattack. We had more possession but we just couldn't kill off the match. Not qualifying for the semi-finals is not on our minds at all. We have it in our hands to even finish top of the group so there is no pressure at all. We will play to win against Russia. Spain always play even better when they are faced with this kind of challenge.
Aca Kovačević, Serbia coachWe are very satisfied with this result. To not lose against the world champions is an outstanding result. Today it was a bit like a Ferrari against a Punto but sometimes surprises do happen. We prepared for this match in a special way as we watched the DVD of Spain's previous match. Our defence was simply amazing today, so much better when compared with our first game. To be among the eight best teams in Europe is terrific but our goal is to improve our country's futsal even more.
Courtesy:
UEFA.comDerby success takes Russia throughMonday 19 November 2007by
Paul Saffer from Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro
Russia have booked a place in the UEFA European Futsal Championship semi-finals after a hard-fought defeat of neighbours Ukraine that ended their campaign.
Russia win againThere was nothing to tell between the rivals until the end of the first half when Ukraine's Oleksandr Khursov was forced to turn Pelé Junior's cross into his own net. A Cirilo penalty early in the second half was swiftly followed by a Vladislav Shayakhmetov strike and after a Damir Khamadiev own goal, Russia keeper Sergei Zuev found the target to put his team on six points from two games in Group B while Ukraine are yet to get off the mark. As Spain then drew 1-1 with Serbia, Russia are through and Ukraine cannot qualify.
Close halfIn a typically physical encounter Russia soon started to press, while Khursov was proving a particular menace for Ukraine. The hat-trick scorer in Russia's 5-3 win against Serbia, Cirilo, combined with fellow Brazilian-born player Pelé Junior but the shot was blocked. Khursov had an effort parried by Zuev, replacing Pavel Stepanov in the Russian goal, but Serhiy Cheporniuk could not force the rebound in.
Decisive momentBoth teams had their moments, but the the last 30 seconds of the first half were crucial. With the Russian defence seemingly beaten, Dmytro Silchenko struck the post. On the counterattack Cirilo fed Pelé, and his cross was turned into his own net by the luckless Khursov under pressure from Cirilo.
Further goalsAlthough Ukraine did well for the first five minutes of the second half, disaster struck when Silchenko fouled Pelé in the box. Valeriy Zamyatin took over in goal from Vasyl Sukhomlinov for the penalty but he was powerless to stop Cirilo's spot-kick. A minute later Russia scored again as Shayakhmetov turned in Aleksandr Fukin's cross.
Keeper scoresMoments later Pelé somehow hit the post after a swift Russian break. Khamadiev then turned Serhiy Sytin's shot into his own net to reduce arrears but with Sukhomlinov joining the attack, Zuev beat his fellow goalkeeper with an opportunist shot. Russia, who have now beaten their neighbours nine times in eleven meetings, need only a draw against holders Spain on Wednesday to top the group but they will definitely be in last-four action two days later.
Courtesy:
UEFA.comRajić strikes late to shock SpainMonday 19 November 2007by
Paul Saffer from Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro
Predrag Rajić struck with only 36 seconds left to keep Serbia in the UEFA European Futsal Championship as they gained a dramatic draw with title-holders Spain.
Win deniedRussia's 4-1 defeat of Ukraine in the earlier Group B game meant that Spain knew victory would book progress with a match to spare and eliminate Serbia. But Andreu's first-half strike was cancelled out in dramatic fashion and Spain need a point against Russia in Wednesday's 2005 final rematch to ensure progress, otherwise Serbia could go through with a win against Ukraine.
Early effortsSerbia gave Russia a tremendous game on Sunday despite the 5-3 defeat and they began in the same mood this evening, captain Bojan Pavićević hitting the side-netting. Spain, 6-2 victors against Ukraine in their opener, were doing plenty of attacking themselves and Vladan Cvetanović's saving tackle proved crucial as Kike broke through and Serbia's Marko Perić forced Spain No1 Luis Amado into action.
Spain strikeDaniel's improvised chip was caught before it went in by Vladimir Ranisavljević, starting in place of veteran Predrag Brzaković in the Serbia goal. Perić had a tremendous chance as he found his way past several Spain players and Amado but Werner sprinted back to prevent a shot just in front of goal and Kike cleared. And then Andreu put Spain in front after a tremendous run from Marcelo past Igor Šoša.
Solid defenceSpain captain Javi Rodríguez's shot was tipped over by Ranisavljević early in the second half and the holders were starting to look comfortable, buoyed by their goal. Although with Perić on the pitch Serbia always had promise of their own, Spain's dominance of world futsal is based partly on their disciplined defending and real chances were rare.
Dramatic endZoran Dimić's effort did nearly deflect in, similarly a shot at the other end by Ortiz. Pavićević broke away but could not beat Amado, however Serbia never gave up and after Perić's corner was touched on by Pavićević, Rajić finished emphatically for a sensational ending. This result means Russia are through and Ukraine fall but Spain and Serbia's fates are still not definitely decided.
Courtesy:
UEFA.comMareš brothers still starring for CzechsTuesday 20 November 2007by
Nuno Tavares &
Paul Saffer from Porto
The Czech Republic may no longer be able to reach the UEFA European Futsal Championship semi-finals but two familiar figures in their squad have again more than held their own.
ComebacksBrothers Roman and Michal Mareš have been key players for the Czech Republic for many years, but retired from international football after the last finals to concentrate on their club career with Russia's MFK Dina Moskva. But they then returned home and this year made their national team comebacks, aiding their impressive qualificaiton campaign and taking their place in the finals in Porto.
ExitDefeats by debutants Romania and hosts Portugal have ended the Czech title bid regardless of their last Group A result against Italy on Wednesday and the younger of the siblings, Michal, reflected on their exit. "It's by no means a humiliation but the worst thing of all was to lose against Romania," he told uefa.com. "We played well [against Portugal] and we were expecting to get something from this match, but that didn't happen and now we'll try to score at least one point against Italy."
Taking a breakMichal, one year his brother's junior at 31, explained how he and Roman came to return to the squad. "We were both playing in Russia and decided to take a break from the national squad. However, we wanted to help our squad-mates and so we returned."
Telepathic understandingThe siblings have now competed in the last four European Championships, and although they are at different clubs that has not always been the case. Michal says there is a real telepathy between the pair, as was shown when he set up Roman to score in the first minute against Portugal. "We have been playing together for the last 20 years and we know exactly where the other one will be on the pitch," he explained. "It's safe to say we could each play with one eye closed as we connect perfectly."
Courtesy:
UEFA.comRussian futsal fans in for the long haulTuesday 20 November 2007by
Pavel Gognidze from Porto
Russia are the first team through to the UEFA European Futsal Championship semi-finals in the way their fans like best – a 4-1 victory against Ukraine. And a dedicated group of supporters had made their way across Europe to see it happen in person.
'Record distance'Fifty Russia fans have made the 3,600km journey to Porto for this tournament, an organised group who regularly attend European Championships. They have particularly enjoyed this trip, despite the replacement of last week's sun with heavy rain, one fan telling uefa.com: "This one is even nicer than the previous ones because we have got to travel as far as Portugal, a record distance, but now the weather is failing us."
Friendly rivalryUkraine also had their backers, keeping up a barrage of noise even as their team's hopes of progress faded, and the Russia supporter – who expects another 100-150 fans to come out if Russia reach Sunday's final – said the rivalry was friendly. "We always come across the Ukrainian fans, and they are always the same. We will all drink vodka after the match no matter what the result. Futsal is not like football, we are all good friends because we meet each other every two years at the European Championship."
Players' appreciationVladislav Shayakhmetov, Carlsberg Man of the Match in Russia's victory, certainly appreciates their efforts and the MFK VIZ-Sinara Ekaterinburg player revealed that some of his local fans are on their way out for Wednesday's match with another of their chief rivals, Spain. "It's great to have such support," Shayakhmetov said. "Even though the hall was not full both us and Ukraine had two solid sets of fans. But I know that we will have more as we go along because a group of fans from Ekaterinburg will fly in for the next game."
Courtesy:
UEFA.comTimely Rajić amazed by achievementTuesday 20 November 2007by
David Baño &
Paul Saffer from Porto
It was one of the great upsets in UEFA European Futsal Championship history. Holders Spain seemed to be cruising to victory against Serbia, in their first finals in eight years, and although the lead was only 1-0, the reigning champions looked unlikely to concede.
'We fought to the end'But with just 36 seconds remaining Predrag Rajić scored a dramatic equaliser, and against the odds Serbia are still in the tournament. "It was a hard match and we knew it would be," Rajić told uefa.com. "But we fought to the end. We thought we could get a draw and I thank everybody who believed in us."
Long absenceSpain were on top for most of the match, but Serbia never gave up hope even after Andreu's goal late in the first half, and they got their reward at the end. The 1-1 result was even more impressive considering the former Serbia and Montenegro played only one fixture after falling in qualification for the last EURO in January 2004 – a 5-0 loss in Spain two years later. Without their Montenegro appendage, the team only made their debut at the start of 2007, one month before the preliminaries for this tournament, and they did not have the long run-in to the finals of their rivals.
'Amazing performance'“We prepared for this tournament for only four days, and it is an amazing performance to be able to draw with Spain," Rajić said. "Now I hope Russia will beat Spain and we beat Ukraine to reach the semi-finals. And in the semi-finals I think we can beat Portugal or Italy."
Ukraine encounterWhile Ukraine may already be eliminated, the fixture in Santo Tirso on Wednesday will not be easy. "We will play to win but we cannot get away with any bad play against Ukraine," Rajić added. "It will be a very hard game for us. They do not make many mistakes and counterattack well. But I think we are better."
Courtesy:
UEFA.comFutsal finals prove a TV hitTuesday 20 November 2007The UEFA European Futsal Championship is topping the television ratings in Portugal and another bumper audience is expected as the hosts aim for a semi-final place.
Top of the ratingsSIC, the official broadcaster of the finals, announced figures of 659,800 viewers for the hosts' opening game against Italy on Friday, a share of 22.1 per cent of those watching all channels at the time. And two days later the audience grew to 840,500 as Portugal defeated the Czech Republic, leading the ratings in its time slot with a 31.4 per cent share. SIC will also show Portugal's fixture with Romania at 17.15 local time on Wednesday, as well as the semi-finals two days later and Sunday's final.
Courtesy:
UEFA.comRomania in way of hosts' dreamWednesday 21 November 2007by
Paul Saffer from Porto
Neither Portugal nor Romania have played in a UEFA European Futsal Championship semi-final before – but one of them will put that right this week, after a Wednesday encounter in Gondomar that is effectively a knockout tie.
Portugal aheadThe hosts followed their 0-0 opening-day draw against Italy with a nervy 5-3 defeat of the Czech Republic to move a point above Romania in Group A, though behind the Azzurri on goal difference. Romania, in their first finals, beat the Czech Republic 8-4 but a 7-1 loss to Italy on Sunday showed the size of their task – they must now get maximum points against Portugal to pip the home nation to the last four.
SupportPortugal will, of course, have another fervent crowd behind them, and their support was vital in helping the local favourites recover a 3-1 deficit against the Czechs. Coach Orlando Duarte said: "I really want to thank all the fans. They have been extraordinary throughout the tournament. I hope we will win all our games because we want to give them something back for all the support they have provided. And we will try to progress as far as possible."
Improvement wantedNonetheless, Duarte wants his players to improve on their second showing. "The first half of that first half [against the Czechs] can be bettered, and we will try to do so in the coming games," he said. "It's not just about running and being enthusiastic on the pitch, there is a tactical side to respect and to always keep in mind. Of course, I would like to win and play well, but it's not that easy and I know what needs to be done."
Romanian achievementAlthough Portugal are yet to reach a European semi-final, they have scaled such heights in the FIFA Futsal World Cup and their progress has been widely tipped in this tournament. By contrast, Romania were rank outsiders and for them to be in contention going into their last group game is a creditable achievement.
Goal metRomania's coach, Zoltán Jakab, who in four years has taken the side from futsal novices to contenders, accepts that they remain underdogs even now – yet the fact they will definitely finish above the Czech Republic in the section means they have already exceeded many people's expectations. "Portugal's team are probably better than ours, they are top class," Jakab said. "But we will try to do our best against them and try to win. Our objective in this tournament was to avoid finishing bottom of the group. We have achieved it."
Courtesy:
UEFA.comSerbia set for last throw of the diceWednesday 21 November 2007by
Paul Saffer from Porto
Serbia's concluding UEFA European Futsal Championship Group B match with Ukraine on Wednesday had all the makings of a dead rubber – until a dramatic goal changed everything.
Hopes aliveAfter the pair lost their opening games, Ukraine followed up with a 4-1 reverse against Russia on Monday. Had Serbia then been defeated by Spain, their semi-final hopes would have been over, and they trailed 1-0 until – with 36 seconds left – Predrag Rajić scored to earn a draw. So although Ukraine are out, a win for Serbia in the first of two Wednesday fixtures at the Pavilhão Desportivo Municipal de Santo Tirso, coupled with a loss for Spain against Russia in Gondomar, would allow Aca Kovačević's side a chance of progress provided they also register a better goal difference than the holders.
Outside chanceIt is a difficult task, though, and the Serbia coach admits that reaching the last four in their first final tournament since Yugoslavia competed in 1999 is a still remote possibility. Kovačević said: "Although we still have a shot of qualifying, I believe Spain will go through because they have huge experience at this level. I hope Russia are capable of beating them despite the fact they have already qualified."
Impressive performanceThe very fact Serbia remain in the running is impressive – the debutants having given Russia a real scare before losing 5-3, and then held the reigning champions. "We will do our best to beat Ukraine and finish with four points, which would be outstanding, especially if we take into account just how tough this group is, maybe even more difficult than the other group," Kovačević said.
Ukraine transitionBy contrast Ukraine coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk, who led his country to the 2001 and 2003 finals as well as to the semi-finals two years ago, will not be matching those achievements. The best they can hope for is to beat Serbia and finish third in the pool – with Lysenchuk looking to the future as he continues the process of revamping his squad. "I'm not ashamed of our campaign because we have the youngest team in the tournament," he said. "We were never favourites to win this championship and we have been beaten mainly due to our lack of experience."
Courtesy:
UEFA.comAndreu a thorn in Russia's sideWednesday 21 November 2007by
David Baño &
Paul Saffer from Porto
Andreu, the man who opened the scoring for Spain in the 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship final defeat of Russia, looked to have been a matchwinner again when his goal gave the holders the lead against Serbia on Monday. But an equaliser in the dying seconds denied Spain victory and means the holders need another Group B point this afternoon when they come face to face with Russia.
Second chance"It's a pity," Andreu told uefa.com. “We could have won and booked our ticket to the semi-finals but it didn't happen. But we still have a game to correct what went wrong against Serbia. We know it won't be easy, but we have another chance and won't waste it."
Russian dangerRussia have not beaten Spain in 14 meetings over the years, other than a penalty shoot-out defeat in the 1999 final that was avenged last time out in Ostrava. But Russia are already through with two wins and Andreu is cautious. "They are a great team, one of the favourites to win the tournament. They have Cirilo, who brings a lot of quality to the team. They are very quick too."
'Good memories'But Andreu has a habit of scoring against them, most notably two years ago. "I have good memories of that final," he said. "I've always played well against Russia. In our last match against them, in Ekaterinburg, we won 3-2 and I also scored."
Twin absentWhile he is present and correct in Porto, another 32-year-old Interviú Fadesa player is missing as Andreu's twin brother Joan did not make the 14-man squad. "I miss him," Andreu said. "He's a great player and could have been here with us, but our coach picked other players and we have to respect his decision. I've always felt very good when we have played together, both for our club or in the national team."
Rivalry ditchedHowever, there are plenty of players from Interviú's arch-rivals ElPozo Murcia FS in the squad, but rivalry is obviously forgotten when the world and European champions get together, and Andreu has a special relationship with one club opponent in particular. "I had the chance to play with Kike during my two seasons at CLM Talavera some time ago and we shared a flat. So my relationship with him goes beyond futsal. We are great friends. He came to my wedding. I couldn’t be at his because I was travelling, but we get on very well. When you play for the national team, you forget which club you belong to and then we all have the same objective, which is to win this tournament.”
Courtesy:
UEFA.comZuev the goalkeeping goalscorerWednesday 21 November 2007by
Pavel Gognidze &
Paul Saffer from Porto
A goalkeeper getting on the scoreheet is not as unusual in futsal as it is in football, but it is still a sight to behold. With his team trailing Russia 3-1 on Monday, Ukraine custodian Vasyl Sukhomlinov joined the attack only for his opposite number Sergei Zuev to pick up the ball and shoot for the entire length of the pitch and into the net.
First international goalZuev told uefa.com: "I have scored before but only in our domestic league, this is my first international goal. To be honest, initially I couldn't believe it had gone in." With that, victory and a semi-final place were secure. "Matches against Ukraine are always going tough for Russia," the goalkeeper added. "I think that scoring the first goal was extremely important. We scored first and based our tactics on this. We had to protect the lead and try to score on the counterattack."
Flying keepersOf course, Zuev took a direct route, Ukraine's gamble of sending Sukhomlinov forward backfiring, as often also happens if teams use an outfield player as a 'flying goalkeeper'. Zuev mused: "The question of how to use a goalkeeper is the business of each individual team. If he plays well with his feet, then why not? It is an issue for the coach in such a situation whether to trust an outfield player or a goalkeeper."
Spain aimThe MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg shot-stopper replaced MFK Dinamo Moskva's Pavel Stepanov in goal following Russia's opening 5-3 win against Serbia to fine effect. And he insists they will be giving their all in the rematch with the team that beat them in the 2005 final, Spain, today, even though they will be back in action in the semis on Friday. "It is important for the team," he said.
Cirilo benefitThe presence of tournament leading scorer Cirilo will be crucial, the naturalised Brazilian-born forward claiming four goals in his first two competitive games for Russia, and his presence allowing a tactical change. "Cirilo is a typical target man, so it is only natural that in the four where he plays the tactics are different," Zuev explained. "The other four play more combination-based futsal, but the first four play via Cirilo all the time."
Courtesy:
UEFA.comSpain strive to qualify at summitWednesday 21 November 2007by
Pavel Gognidze from Porto
Although UEFA European Futsal Championship holders Spain need a point to reach the semi-finals after their unexpected draw with Serbia, coach José Venancio is thinking only of victory against Russia.
Winning aimWhile Russia are through with two wins, Spain conceded a late equaliser on Monday and if they lose in Gondomar and Serbia beat Ukraine, there is a chance the title-holders could go out on goal difference. Still, in this rematch of three of the five previous European finals, a repeat of Spain's 1996 and 2005 successes would leave them topping Group B. "There's one game left and we are relying on ourselves, not only for qualification but also to win the group," Venancio told uefa.com. "I trust my team and I know we react well to difficult situations. That is usually when we perform best."
Russian improvementRussia only just overcame Serbia 5-3 on Saturday but their 4-1 thrashing of Ukraine impressed Venancio, who took over as Spain coach in September. "Russia have played better and better as the tournament has gone on," he said. "They performed very well in the first game and didn't panic when Serbia came back. Their players have the experience of previous European tournaments, but also the UEFA Futsal Cup. They deserve to be in the semis. It's going to be a tough game, but we've been able to beat them in recent meetings so I'm very confident."
Extra effortIndeed, Spain have dominated all eight meetings of the teams since losing the 1999 final on penalties – most recently triumphing 3-1 in Ekaterinburg in February. Indeed, they have never been defeated in normal time in their 14 fixtures with Russia. Yet Venancio, who will recover Javi Eseverri from suspension, admits he would rather not need something from this final group match. "We may pay for that in the games to come," he said. "We will have to make one last effort but we are ready. Our team is well prepared. We are also used to this type of competition and I'm sure we'll do well."
FocusRussia, meanwhile, welcome back Marat Azizov, who missed their first two outings due to a ban. Goalkeeper Sergei Zuev, who scored against Ukraine, believes his side will stay focused despite being ensured a last-four fixture on Friday. "We should avoid relaxing," he said. "Our motivation and the outcome of this match will define the emotional background for the rest of the tournament." Zuev also concedes how difficult it will be to hold on to first place in the group. "Spain's titles speak for themselves: they are world and European champions," he said. "They need no introduction. It's always interesting to play against them, it's an experience."
Courtesy:
UEFA.comGherman hopes to spoil Portugal partyWednesday 21 November 2007by
Paul Saffer from Porto
Romania's UEFA European Futsal Championship began in January's preliminary round with a 9-2 defeat of England in Latvia. Ten months and eight games later, they are the only survivors from that initial stage and facing hosts Portugal for a place in the semi-finals.
Previous setbackThere have been setbacks on the way. In the qualifying round they lost their second game 4-2 to Slovenia and seemed to be heading for the exit. But they then defeated Moldova by the same scoreline and then on their way back home discovered that Belgium, who they beat 4-1 first up, had overcome Slovenia and Romania were through to their first finals via a three-way tie-break. They started in Porto with an 8-4 win against the Czech Republic, but after a 7-1 loss to Italy only victory against the hosts will suffice in Group A if they are to move forward again.
'Beautiful experience'Cosmin Gherman has been ever-present in Romania's campaign, has scored in both finals games to add to his eight in qualifying. He told uefa.com of their run: "At the start we were ranked 28th in Europe and we didn't imagine that we would have the beautiful experience of being here. We are newcomers in this tournament, the first time we have qualified three years after the national team was formed. And we have to learn, not only from Italy but all the other teams."
MotivationPortugal's games at the Multiusos Gondomar Coração de Ouro have attracted big crowds and Gherman knows this will be another big test of their mettle. "We know we are in for a very hard match," he said. But if we are organised and produce a good performance we hope to win and make the semi-finals. We're looking forward to the hall being full. This will motivate us as we are used to full halls in Romania.”
Swift riseGherman, 23, plays along with almost all his squad-mates for Romanian champions CIP Deva under national coach Zoltán Jakab, a synergy he believes is the reason for their swift rise. And it has all come just five years after he first switched to the small-sided game. "Up to the age of 18 I played football, then the first Romanian futsal championship began," he said. "At the start it was not serious but then I received an offer to become a professional." And now a possible European semi-final beckons.
Courtesy:
UEFA.comAzzurri in sight of next stepWednesday 21 November 2007by
Paul Saffer from
PortoItaly came into the UEFA European Futsal Championship with the intention of wresting back the trophy they won in 2003 and then lost two years later – and they are already part of the way there as they take on the eliminated Czech Republic in Santo Tirso on Wednesday.
Almost throughA 0-0 draw with hosts Portugal and a record-equalling 7-1 defeat of Romania have lifted the Azzurri to the Group A summit, and they will only miss out on the semi-finals if they lose heavily and Portugal also go down to Romania in Gondomar but overtake Italy on goal difference. Should Alessandro Nuccorini's side play as they did on Sunday against Romania, when they were three up within ten minutes, then they ought to progress, as hat-trick hero Carlos Morgado stated. "It's going to be a tough game but we have to start in the same way we did against Romania, with respect for our opponents," he told uefa.com.
Semi-final predictionsNuccorini, in his tenth year as coach, has never failed to make the last four and is already looking ahead. "Italy, Portugal, Russia and Spain will certainly reach the semi-finals," he said. "Once you are there, it does not matter who plays who. All these teams are of a similar standard and anything can happen on the day."
Injured trioNuccorini's only concern is that several of his key men are just returning from injury. "Vinicius Bacaro came back on Sunday and played a few minutes, but he is still far from his best," the coach said. "It's a similar case for Sandro Zannetti and Carlos Montovaneli who are also coming back from injury. The problem is that the tournament is short, it goes very quickly and there is not much time."
Czech prideThe Czech Republic's losses to Romania and Portugal mean that they will finish bottom of the group even if they beat Italy. Coach Tomáš Neumann's gamble of including in his squad the suspended David Filinger, in the hope they would advance to the semi-finals when he would have become eligible again, has not paid off. Nonetheless, Neumann is philosophical about their situation. "We will play to win and fight until the end of the tournament," he said. "When you play, you also need a bit of luck and we definitely haven't had that. Teams like Italy and Portugal have turned their chances into goals, and maybe that's the reason we are out of the competition
Posted by
Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com