Courtesy: UEFA.com


France boasts a second Thuram

Friday 11 April 2008

by Jacques Valstar from Monaco

Players from 28 nations are involved in the inaugural UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament this week, including one familiar name. Yohann Thuram-Ulien is one of two goalkeepers in France's squad for their qualifiers against hosts Italy, Moldova and Turkey, which start tonight, and the cousin of Les Bleus football captain Lilian Thuram is relishing the chance.

Tough task
Only the group winners will travel to December's finals in St. Petersburg, and Italy are the favourites to progress from France's pool, having recently beaten Spain, who defeated their senior side in the last UEFA European Futsal Championship and FIFA Futsal World Cup finals. But the AS Monaco FC goalkeeper is still hopeful. "Italy and Turkey are two very strong teams but I think we can go through," Thuram-Ulien said. "But whatever happens, it will be an enriching experience. I will wear the shirt with the cockerel badge and it makes me proud to be among the first generation to take part in this competition."

Novice
France are relative novices in the small-sided game and Thuram-Ulien admits that until national futsal chief Henri Emile scoured professional football academies for talent, he knew little about the sport. "I used to play indoors but I didn't know all the rules," he said. "But when I was asked whether I wanted to take part in trials at Clairefontaine, I said, 'OK.'"

Football ambition
Once at the national football facility in the Paris suburb, Thuram impressed and was picked along with Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper Alexandre Bouchard. However Thuram-Ulien, related to Lilian through his father, admits he retains football ambitions and even uses the same kit as for the game on grass. "I wish to play professional eleven-a-side," he said. "Futsal is for me an addition to my apprenticeship. It will bring me more experience."

Differences
But that does not mean the two disciplines are identical. "Futsal is based on reflexes for a goalkeeper who must be like a handball player," he said. "The ball and the footwear are different as well as the game. But this suits me well. And futsal will grow in France. People will see that it's a good show with good players. They are professional in other countries."




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Spain enter with typical aplomb

Thursday 10 April 2008

Spain's debut match in the UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament underlined their status as masters of this discipline while Slovenia and Belgium face a Saturday decider in the race for a finals place.

Swiss bow
Staging qualifying Group 3 in Madrid, Spain are aiming to add this new trophy to their senior European and world titles, and made a good start as they overcame Greece 5-0. However, it is Slovakia who lead the way as they picked up a 7-1 victory against Switzerland, playing in their first competitive futsal fixture at any level. Tomorrow night Switzerland take on Spain and Greece encounter Slovakia.

Slovenia streak
It was Matchday 2 in Group 1 and Belgium and hosts Slovenia both picked up second victories in Lasko. Belgium defeated Georgia 8-2 to add to their 7-0 win against Bulgaria, who Slovenia now had to beat by a double-figure margin to move ahead on goal difference and leave themselves only needing a draw in the last match. And sure enough Slovenia struck six before the break and won 12-0 to give themselves every chance of claiming a place in St Petersburg in December.

Czechs top
One other pool began tonight; the Czech Republic defeated Armenia 6-2 to go top of Group 7, while mini-tournament hosts F.Y.R. Macedonia lost 3-1 to Croatia. The leading pair meet on Friday, when two qualifiers will definitely be decided; in Group 2 in Poland the home side need a win against Ukraine to pip their rivals to Russia, and in Group 4 a point for the Netherlands against hosts Andorra will be enough. Kazakhstan have already won Group 5 and conclude their campaign against Latvia while Belarus and Hungary meet for second place. Meanwhile, the only remaining mini-tournament, Group 6, begins in Martina France with Moldova against Turkey and hosts Italy facing France.





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