Courtesy: KL World 5's Official Web Site


KUALA LUMPUR WELCOMES STAR-STUDDED WORLD CLASS FUTSAL TEAMS

KUALA LUMPUR (28 Jan, 2008) - The world's richest futsal tournament kicks off tomorrow at Stadium Negara, and the arrival of the teams to Kuala Lumpur have revived rivalries between old adversaries of the game.

Nevertheless, Brazil remains the team to beat. Their rich tradition in the five-a-side game and the reputation they bring to the game as the world's No 1 futsal nation has made them the envy of the rest of the competition as they prepare to have a go at the three-time world champion in the stadium where Malaysia's finest sporting achievement of the 90's was realised - the winning of the Thomas Cup in 1992.

The Brazilians have included Falcao, widely acknowledged as the best ever player to grace the futsal court, in their side to travel to Kuala Lumpur in their bid to wrest the title they lost to Argentina in the 2003 edition.

And according to the team's International Affairs Director, Fernando Fernandez, there is another name in the long list of illustrious Brazilan players to watch out for in Kuala Lumpur - that of winger Mithyue Linhares.

"He is the rising star of Brazilian futsal now," said Fernandez.

Brazil, by everyone's expectations are the favourites to lift the title this time and the 2-3 loss to Argentina in the final of the 2003 edition, was but a small hiccup in their quest to take home yet another title.

"We have had six decades of futsal experience and that's why we can take our level a notch higher than the rest. We mean business, but that doesn't mean there will be no surprises. I am sure they will be as the tournament progress," said Fernandez.

And Argentina, like in 2003, could spring a few surprises too. After all, they are mentored by Fernando Laranaga who is said to be a world class coach in the making. Indeed, their approach to football and the technical abilities of their players are always a delight to watch.

Don't discount the Dutch too. They have the discipline and they have the know-how and above all, they have the experience. And they were the finalist in the inaugural Fifa World championship of 1989. And last year they won the Edegem Four-Nation Futsal tournament when they finished ahead of Belgium, Lithuania and England.

England completes the European line-up in the week-long tournament and while they admit they are poor cousins of the 11-a-side game, judging by the amount of media coverage back home, they are here on a learning process.

"And once our National Futsal League kicks off next year, things will be better overall for the game back home. Right now we are here to learn as much as we can," said England's head coach Graeme Dell.

He added, "And to be drawn in the same group with Argentina may just be a coincidence. I know people cannot resist talking about the England-Argentina rivalry but I see it as just another game."

There is also the rivalry in the Asian camp which could set the tournament alight. Tomorrow's match between host Malaysia versus Indonesia continues their South East rivalry; while Iran versus Thailand to determine who is the King of the Continent. Also, can China play the role of spoilers of the tournament?

Malaysia, playing in front of their own supporters, hope to cement their growing confidence in the game after their silver-medal effort behind Thailand in the recent South-east Asia Games in Korat.

Coach P.Balakrishnan is aware that the expectations are high and his main challenge to lift his players after the three-week break following the Korat assignment.

"Playing at home means the fans will expect more from the team. We have to learn to live with it. But more importantly, we must also learn to take the pressure and handle one match at a time," he added.

But the pressure is on the others to beat Brazil if the KL World 5s is to be won.

The KL World 5’s takes place between 29th January and 3rd February 2008 at Stadium Negara, Malaysia’s first indoor stadium and a national heritage building. The event will be telecasted to over 310 million viewers across Asia on STAR Sports with over 100 hours of coverage, comprising 30 telecast hours, including 20 hours of live programming - translating into extensive media exposure for Malaysia.

ESPN STAR Sports and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have a rich tradition of partnerships stemming from a multi-year strategic alliance signed in October 2005 to raise participation and interest in sport in Malaysia.





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