Courtesy: UEFA.com


Spain show futsal Under-21 strength

Monday 17 December 2007

Spain marked themselves out as leading contenders for victory in next year's inaugural UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament as they defeated Russia on penalties to win the annual St Petersburg competition in the city that will host the first continental U21 finals next December.

Big guns progress
Since the St Petersburg event became an international U21 championship in 2003, Spain and Russia have monopolised the trophy, and both sailed through the group stage, winning their respective pools with seven points from three games. Ukraine topped the other section while Iran – who drew 1-1 with Russia – progressed to the semi-finals as best runners-up.

Spain success
However, the Asian side had no answer to Spain at that stage, losing 5-0, while Russia beat Ukraine 6-1. Russia then led the final at half-time but Raúl equalised with ten minutes left, and a penalty shoot-out was required. Spain goalkeeper Jesús saved Russia's third effort, before Víctor confirmed the win when he struck to take the score to 5-3. However, Russia still lead Spain 3-2 in tournament victories, and as hosts are assured of their place in next year's European finals. The new St Petersburg champions, meanwhile, must top a qualifying group containing Slovakia, Greece and Switzerland in April.

Ukraine miss out
Eight other teams entering the UEFA U21 competition were in action in St Petersburg. Ukraine lost 2-1 to Iran for third place; Italy overcame a selection from the host city 4-2 for fifth; Slovenia's 4-1 triumph against the Netherlands left them seventh; Belarus took ninth spot with a 3-0 success over Slovakia; and the Czech Republic thrashed Moldova 9-1 in the match for eleventh position.







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