Courtesy: UEFA.com


Ukraine and Netherlands reach Russia

Friday 11 April 2008

Ukraine and the Netherlands qualified for the UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament on Friday night, leaving only four places in the inaugural finals in Russia unfilled.

Ukraine through
Kazakhstan had previously booked their place alongside the hosts in December's inaugural tournament in St Petersburg, and another former Soviet Republic will be joining them as Ukraine went into the Group 2 decider against Poland needing only a point and beat the mini-tournament hosts 5-0 in Kresno. Romania finished third thanks to a 5-2 defeat of Romania while Kazakhstan, already ensured to spot in Group 5, overcame Latvia 6-5 to complete a perfect record while Belarus took second position with a 4-0 win against home side Hungary.

Dutch delight
However, western Europe was guaranteed one representative before Group 4 concluded in Andorra and the Netherlands ensured it would be them as they gained a 8-1 win against the home nation. Azerbaijan could not qualify after falling 8-2 to the Netherlands on Wednesday but did finish second despite losing 2-1 to the Republic of Ireland, who ended their debut competitive futsal campaign on a high with their first points and took third place.

Spain soar
Senior world and European champions Spain need only a draw Slovakia on Sunday to win Group 3 on home soil after both teams secured second victories. Slovakia were one ahead on goal difference at kick-off today in Madrid and beat Greece 12-2 but Spain defeated futsal newcomers Switzerland 12-0 to edge in front, having scored eight before the break.

Close contest
Group 7 will also be decided on Sunday and three teams are still in contention. The Czech Republic and Croatia, who both won on Matchday 1, drew 2-2 so allowing F.Y.R. Macedonia to move to within a point by beating Armenia 2-0. However, for hosts F.Y.R. Macedonia to win the group they need to beat the Czech Republic, who currently lead the pool on goal difference, and hope Croatia drop points against Armenia.

Italy ahead
The last mini-tournament to start, Group 6, began tonight with Italy taking a two-point lead. The home side pleased 1,500 fans in Martina France by defeating France 8-0 with a Coco Wellington hat-trick while Moldova drew 0-0 with Italy's Saturday opponents Turkey. Also tomorrow, Slovenia face Belgium in Lasko needing only a point to beat their opponents to first place as Group 4 concludes.






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