Courtesy: The FA.com


Helvecia crowned champs

By Nicholas Veevers in Sheffield

Sunday, 06 July 2008

Helvecia Futsal 1-0 Ipswich Wolves

The FA UMBRO Futsal Cup
The English Institute Of Sport, Sheffield
Sunday 6 July 2008

Helvecia Futsal have become the new national FA Futsal Cup champions, following a dramatic victory over last year’s winners Ipswich Wolves on Sunday evening.

The Final looked all set for extra time when it was still goal-less in the last few seconds, but a piece of quick thinking from Thiago Roberto Diorio won it for the London-based team of Brazilians.

After winning a line-kick, he quickly played it back to their play-making goalkeeper Elizandro Boria Lima. He looked to place a shot, but having spotted Diorio dash into the box, played a perfect pass for his team-mate to flick home from close range with approximately 0.1 seconds showing on the clock.

As soon as Wolves could kick-off again, the final buzzer sounded to leave Helvecia and their noisy bunch of supporters in ecstasy.

It had been a finely matched game over the 30 minutes of play, with both teams constantly probing and looking for the openings that could lead to the first goal.

The flow of the game wasn’t helped in the first half when Anderson Costa looked to fall awkwardly following a challenge and after lengthy treatment from the medical staff, he was carried from the pitch on stretcher but was able to hobble back on to join the celebrations at full time.

Chances were generally at a premium though and it was only in the second half when it looked as though there would be a decider.

Bruno Ferage, Wolves’ main playmaker and the heartbeat of their team, had one of those opportunities when Jiri Lalak chipped a corner across the pitch for him but Ferage’s volley went both high and wide.

With one minute remaining, it could have been so different too, as Lima was forced into making a fine block save to deny Bruno Abreu who had managed to work the room for a shot at goal on the counter attack.

It wasn’t to be for the men from Suffolk though and having tasted victory last year, it’s now their turn to watch a new team of champions be crowned



Courtesy: The FA.com


Belles lift Cup

By Nicholas Veevers in Sheffield

Sunday, 06 July 2008

Doncaster Rovers Belles 1-0 Watford Ladies

The FA UMBRO Futsal Cup
The English Institute Of Sport, Sheffield.

Doncaster Rovers Belles, up against all of the odds, went on to lift The FA Futsal Women’s Cup on Sunday, courtesy of a hard fought victory against Watford Ladies.

The Belles were only brought into the competition as a late replacement for the Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA last week and had never played Futsal before the weekend.

After quickly familiarising themselves with the laws of the game and taking in a few of the matches between the more established teams in the competition, they soon got to grips with Futsal but they were made to work hard for their victory before a goal from former England international Vicky Exley proved the difference.

Last year’s winners Watford had been in impressive form throughout the competition, so they went into The Final as favourites and they settled down the quicker of the two teams.

After five minutes of the game, Watford’s Helen Lander looked up before sending a powerful shot at goal which was unfortunate to hit the angle and bounce to safety.

At the other end, Exley found herself in a bit of space but her shot was well saved by Lauren Davey in the Watford goal as half time arrived with the teams tied.

However, seven minutes into the second half and the breakthrough arrived as the ball was worked towards Exley on the left and she sneaked a shot into the goal with her right foot.

As Watford threw all caution to the wind in the last few minutes, by replacing Davey with an outfield player, the Belles could have all but sealed it when Francesca Waller had the whole of an empty goal to aim at only to narrowly miss from long range.

It wasn’t to prove decisive though and the Belles hung on to give South Yorkshire some cheer after what has been a super event in Sheffield.




Courtesy: The FA.com


Helvecia to face Wolves

By Nicholas Veevers in Sheffield

Sunday, 06 July 2008

Helvecia 3-1 Corinthians

The FA UMBRO Futsal Cup
The English Institute Of Sport, Sheffield.

Helvecia Futsal secured their place in The FA Futsal Cup Final, with a well deserved victory over Corinthians in Sheffield.

The London-based team, made up of largely Brazilian players and backed by a noisy following of supporters complete with drums and whistles, always looked in full control of their Semi-Final.


They took an early lead in the game when Celson Ferreida Almeida was left in too much space inside the area and he took full advantage to slot home and draw first blood.

It could have been 2-0 soon after when Corinthians goalkeeper Curtis Holmes made one of several impressive saves to deny Douglas Pavanello, who posed a severe threat with his angled left foot drives.

Whilst Helvecia couldn’t find more goals in the first half, they always looked the more likely to add to their account as they clocked up numerous shots at goal.

However, they were caught cold just 20 seconds after the re-start when Bebeto Flausinio found some space on the right and rifled a fantastic shot into the far corner for his ninth of the competition to send their own pocket of supporters wild and draw the teams level.

It could have gone either way at this stage, but when Helvecia called a time-out, they took full advantage and whatever the coach told them worked as Pavanello struck home an angled shot as he’d been threatening all game.

Another tactical change by Helvecia saw them replace their goalkeeper with an outfield player who pushed the rest of the team upfield and helped them retain possession for longer spells.

Corinthians then employed the same tactic, but not to quite the same effect as a mix-up between defender and new goalkeeper Bruno Lisboa allowed Thiago Roberto Diorio to score a simple goal and secure their place in The Final.

There they will face last year’s champions Ipswich Wolves, who progressed to The Final courtesy of a 3-2 win against Tranmere Victoria




Courtesy: The FA.com


Tigers take out Genesis

By Nicholas Veevers in Sheffield

Sunday, 06 July 2008

Birmingham Tigers 6-3 Newham Genesis

The FA UMBRO Futsal Cup
The English Institute Of Sport, Sheffield.

For a team tasting their first experience of life at The FA Futsal Cup Finals, the Newham Genesis certainly left an impression, despite losing out to Birmingham Tigers in the Men’s Plate.

With the skill and flair of both Ferrad Sofiane and Charles Konadu, Genesis can consider themselves somewhat unfortunate to be on the end of a 6-3 scoreline, after hitting the woodwork on no fewer than six occasions.


The Tigers were particularly clinical though and they now take their place in the Semi-Final of the Plate.

Formed as a secondary competition for the teams who finished in third and fourth place in their groups, the Plate keeps interest alive for all in the competition and the determination on show from all teams was testament to that.

Tigers made an early breakthrough, hitting Genesis on the break after the goalkeeper made a fine save to deny Konadu.

After five minutes, it was 2-0 when Tigers took advantage of Genesis having a man down injured to double their advantage.

This prompted the east Londoners into life though and they struck the woodwork no fewer than three times before Konadu reduced the arrears with a fine individual goal to leave the score at 2-1 at the break.

Straight after the break, Tigers restored their two goal advantage only for Genesis to bounce straight back to make it 3-2 with ten minutes remaining.

Sofiane then saw a long range shot come bouncing back off the post, before Konadu saw a powerful left footer crash against the bar as Genesis chased an equaliser.

Tigers kept hold of their advantage though, when a long ball forward was fumbled by the Genesis goalkeeper to make it 4-2, only for Jason Fox to score straight from the kick-off.

With time running out though, the Tigers took advantage twice more on the break to leave the final score at 6-3.

Tigers will now face the Sheffield & Hallamshire CFA in the Semi-Final, whilst the other game will see Manchester Futsal Club take on Hull.




Courtesy: The FA.com


Wolves reach semis

By Nicholas Veevers in Sheffield

Saturday, 05 July 2008

London White Bear 4-4 Ipswich Wolves (Wolves win 5-4 on penalties)

The FA UMBRO Futsal Cup
The English Institute Of Sport, Sheffield

Reigning FA Futsal Cup champions Ipswich Wolves edged a step closer to retaining their title on Saturday evening, after beating the competition's second favourites London White Bear - USSR in the quarter finals.

In what was a tense and thrilling encounter throughout, it looked as though the Suffolk based team could have been on their way home after falling 3-1 behind in the second half.


However, with their ever obvious team spirit, Wolves bounced back to level things up and then edge ahead in extra time only for the Bears to equalise with less than a minute of the game remaining, meaning kicks from the penalty spot would decide which of the teams would progress into the final four of the competition.

With both teams particularly equally matched, it was Wolves who took an early lead with just four minutes on the clock, when they took advantage of a defensive error from the team made up of Russian and Ukrainian players to open the scoring.

The lead didn’t last for long though as the Bears struck back to equalise via a stunning long range free kick.

The Bears then took the lead with two minutes of the first half remaining when their skipper was left free in the area to finish well and put them ahead at the break.

Six minutes after the restart, the Bears went further ahead when a long throw forward by their goalkeeper into the Wolves area was contested by their striker, whose challenge forced the Wolves keeper into a mis-timed punch which rolled over the line and into the goal, much to their dismay.

They soon put the setback behind them though and just a minute later they reduced the arrears to 3-2 with a nice piece of Futsal on the left flank resulting in a good finish.

With the momentum now behind the Wolves, made up of players from the Portuguese community in Suffolk, they soon found themselves level after a corner wasn’t fully cleared by the Bears and a goalmouth scramble eventually resulted in a close range poke home to see the game into extra time.

An accumulation of fouls from White Bears resulted in a penalty kick being awarded to the Wolves and when that was expertly dispatched, the holders looked destined for the semis.

The Bears weren’t finished though and after forcing numerous spells of possession and pressure in the second period of extra time, they found a leveller with just 55 seconds left on the clock.

So to penalties it went and after both teams scored four of their initial five spot kicks, it went on to sudden death.

A save from the enigmatic Wolves keeper meant that one more goal would be enough and needless to say, their final penalty was expertly rifled home to prompt mass celebrations from the champions.

Elsewhere, the other teams to seal a place in the Semi-Finals were Helvecia Futsal, Tranmere Victoria and Corinthians, who had quarter final wins against Loughborough Students, Sheffield FC and Baltic Futsal Club respectively.

Ipswich Wolves will face Tranmere Victoria, whilst Helvecia take on Corinthians in the other Semi-Final.




Courtesy: The FA.com


Day two roundup

By Kate Evans

Saturday, 05 July 2008

The FA UMBRO Futsal Cup

The English Institute Of Sport, Sheffield.

A cooler, fresher start was welcomed by all the players on the second day of The FA UMBRO Futsal Finals, as the heat on pitches two, three and four yesterday had been tiring for the duration of the session.

It was a 9am start for the Women’s competition, with their remaining group matches to be scheduled today. Strong performances yesterday from West Ham United, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Team United and Watford will make today’s session very interesting.

Women’s Competition – Day Two Round Up

Group A

Doncaster Rovers Belles kicked off day two with another victory against Cambridge Regional college (5-1) and it seems their players do not seem to be phased by the game of Futsal at all. Belles' rivals Team United managed a 1-1 draw with Loughborough Foxes WFC.

In the final match in Group A, Doncaster Rovers played Team United, who needed a draw to qualify. The game was full of chances with Team United having the upper hand, as Rovers Belles seemed to struggle playing on the bigger pitch. However, they clinched a last minute goal to make it 4-4. Loughborough Foxes managed their first win against Cambridge, meaning both Doncaster Rovers Belles and Team United qualify for the quarter finals.

Group B

Yeovil Town Ladies kept themselves firmly in the running to clinch a win against Tranmere Ladies Futsal Club (2-1). Overnight, group leaders Sheffield FC Ladies faltered at their day two morning game, receiving a 6-0 hammering from Bino United. The competition for Tranmere seems very much over after two games.

Both Yeovil Town and Sheffield FC needed to take the second spot, with Bino United Ladies FC already qualified. At 2-2 with minutes to go, Sheffield scored their third and final goal, and are through to the quarter finals.

Group C

After wins for both New Saints Ladies and West Ham, Worcester and Willesden needed to start the second day with wins to stay in the running. The New Saints Ladies were up against West Ham United in the first of two games and they picked up a 3-1 win. In the other match, with both teams needing a win, this game was crucial and Worcester just had the advantage and beat Willesden 3-2.

The third and final match in Group C was just a formality for The New Saints Ladies, who polished off a clear win against Worcester (7-0). After West Ham United`s defeat against The New Saints Ladies, they needed to beat Willesden. Willesden's competition was already over and they didn't manage to gain a consolation point in their final game as West Ham United are through after a 5-2 victory.

Group D

Watford, having already won their first game on day one, needed to ensure qualification early on day two. South Downs were their opponents and nearly upset the Watford Ladies, who sneaked victory 4-3.


Futsal newcomers Dingle needed to do a bit more work in their third and final game, after Rushden and Diamonds Ladies slotted home four goals and kept a clean sheet (4-0).

Qualification was already sealed for Watford and Rushden as the other teams were yet to score a point but in their final game, Watford showed their superiority against Rushden with a 4-1 win. South Downs restored some pride beating Dingle (3-2)

Men’s Competition

The men’s competition resumed at lunchtime on day two, with the final games for Groups A and B. Results from day one, saw Sheffield FC, Corinthians and FC White Bear – USSR already through to the knockout stages. In Group A, all teams have a chance of finishing in the top two while the remaining three groups see teams battling it out for the second qualification place. Team United FC in Group D will need a miracle to make it to the next stage.

Group A

With both qualification places still open to any of the four teams, Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA representative team faced the toughest tie against Ipswich Wolves. Ipswich had failed to show the form and flair that entertained everyone at last year's event during their first two games and there was little between the two teams in the first half, but Ipswich raised the game in the second half and clinched qualification at the last chance, the game finished 4-0.

With one place decided, the second went to overnight group leaders Helvecia who beat Worcester (3-1).

Group B

Sheffield FC made it three wins out of three, with a steady performance over Newham Genesis. Even a win for Manchester Futsal Club against Baltic Futsal Club would likely see the Manchester team heading for the Plate competition, unless they could keep a clean sheet and score a dozen. Unfortunately this was not to be and Baltic just edged it (3-2).

Group C

Corinthians, having already qualified, could take it easy in their last group match, and keep some energy in reserve for the quarter finals to be played later in the evening. Any of the three other teams in the Group could clinch the second spot, with all needing a win to guarantee passage. Birmingham Tigers stole the three points away from leaders Corinthians in a very entertaining match whilst in the other game, Tranmere beat bottom of the table I Security by 4-2 to join Corinthians in the next stage.

Group D

Group D was already settled yesterday, after FC White Bear and Loughborough both won their games, leaving the remaining two teams with no points and no hope of catching them up. Team pride was at stake for Hull and Team United, as neither team wanted to finish the competition without notching any points. Hull demolished Team United (8-1), so pride was restored for them, with Team United having to look at making amends in the Plate competition. FC White Bear and Loughborough played out a potential game in the later stages, with FC White Bear winning 6-2.

Men’s Competition - Quarter Finals

Helvecia Futsal 3-0 Loughborough Students FC

With English pride at stake, Loughborough are one of three English teams to progress to the knockout stage. In a tense and well fought encounter, Helvecia knocked out Loughborough with a strong performance (3-0)

Ipswich Wolves 4-4 FC White Bear – USSR (After extra time)

Ipswich Wolves win on penalties (5-4)

The mouth watering fixture of the men’s quarter finals saw last year’s winners Ipswich Wolves up against spectator’s favourites The White Bear – USSR. Hopes around the venue were for White Bear to progress through to the Semi-Finals after winning all three of their group games whilst Ipswich Wolves had failed to show until the second half of their third and final game in the group competition.

The game was closely matched and very entertaining throughout, with little between the two teams. After normal time, the teams were at a deadlock, into extra time and still neither team took a one goal advantage. This tie was to be decided with penalties.

The tense atmosphere made for a great penalty contest with both teams standing on the half way line waiting for their turn to take the penalty spot. The Ipswich goalkeeper was the hero though saving two penalties and putting them through to the Semi-Finals.

Sheffield FC 3-3 Tranmere Victoria (After extra time)

Tranmere Victoria win on penalties (3-2)

In another all-English encounter in the quarter finals, with one English team definitely making it to the Semi-Finals of the competition Sheffield FC were flying the flag for the host city and looking to do one over their North League rivals. Sheffield were the better side, creating chances and taking the lead, but with every goal Sheffield scored, Tranmere responded with an equaliser. In extra time, Sheffield looked to have stolen it only to again let Tranmere come back. This game was decided on penalties, with Sheffield FC cruelly being knocked out after the Tranmere goalkeeper saved a penalty.

Baltic Futsal Club 1-3 Corinthians

Another match to be undecided in full time, a very entertaining and passionate match was complimented with the passionate and vocal Corinthian crowd, urging their players to score the winning goal. This game looked like also being decided on penalties until Corinthians scored the deciding two goals, booking their place in the Semi-Finals.

Semi-Final Fixtures

Helvecia Futsal v Corinthians

Tranmere Victoria v Ipswich Wolves





Courtesy: The FA.com


Futsal Cup underway

By Kate Evans

Friday, 04 July 2008

Glorious summer sunshine welcomed everyone to the sixth annual FA UMBRO Futsal Finals at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Friday.

Day one of three days of Futsal, (4 – 6 July) saw the start of the qualifying group stage with four groups of four teams in the men’s and women’s competition. Only the top two qualify for the knockout stages, which would commence on Saturday afternoon.


This year’s competition was anticipated to be the most competitive and best yet. In the men’s competition, the majority of teams that successfully reached The Final compete in the recently formed FA Regional Leagues and this Final is an opportunity for the best teams from each of these leagues to show to what they are made of.

Last year's winners Ipswich Wolves came into The Final as favourites to retain the title, with London White Bear expected to be their closest challengers, followed by Tranmere Victoria.

The first day programme for the Men’s competition saw each team playing two out of their three group matches, starting in the early afternoon.

Group Matches Round-up – Day One

Men’s Competition

Group A

In the first Group A matches, Helvecia Futsal convincingly beat Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA (3-1), while Worcester University shocked the favourites Ipswich Wolves, with a 3-2 victory, a result making this group very interesting indeed, going into the second day.

Helveica Futsal faced the favourites in the second Group A matches and managed to hold Ipswich Wolves to a 1-1 draw. On pitch two, Worcester University seemed to be the new team to beat in their group after their first victory, but the glory was short lived when they fell to Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA who put in a strong performance to slot home four goals and keeping a clean sheet.

None of the qualification places in Group A were certain by the end of the day, with every team having a chance. Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA on paper had the toughest tie against last year's winners, who had yet to show their form and ability, whilst Helvecia Futsal need a draw to ensure their qualification.

Group B

Group B started as it finished on day one with lots of goals. Eight goals were scored in the game between Newham Genesis and Manchester Futsal Club, finishing on level terms at 4-4, whilst in the other group matches Sheffield FC beat Baltic Futsal Club by 4-3

The goals fest in this group continued in the second round of matches. Newham Genesis, even though they managed to score three goals, conceded seven against Baltic Futsal Club (3-7). The other tie saw another six goals, with Sheffield FC blasting five past Manchester Futsal Club, who did at least manage to get on the score sheet with one goal (5-1).

So Sheffield FC continued through to the knock-out stages and Baltic Futsal Club can join them and need a draw to ensure qualification. The remaining three teams can all steal that second spot if Newham Genesis beat Sheffield FC and the Baltic v Manchester game finishes in a draw. That means they will all have four points apiece, but Baltic at this stage have the advantage with a better goal difference.

Group C

Birmingham Tigers drew 2-2 against I security in the first round of games, while Corinthians were up against tournament contenders Tranmere Victoria, who failed to show their strength and lost 1-0 to their opponents.

Birmingham Tigers went onto to lose their second match against Tranmere Victoria (2-3), while the team of the group Corinthians thrashed I Security by 7-0.

Corinthians have already secured their place in the knockout stages, and


Tranmere look set to join them unless they lose their final match to I Security. The Birmingham Tigers seem to be out of the running if Corinthians play as well as they did in the first two games, but they may use this game as an opportunity to rest key players for the knockout stages so there is everything to play for for the second qualification spot.

Group D

Another group where the teams are not shy to score a few goals. FC White Bear – USSR comfortably beat Team United FC by 2-0, while Loughborough Students FC smashed Hull Futsal Club by 6-2.

Wins again for FC White Bear – USSR and Loughborough Students FC in their respective second matches as FC White Bear – USSR outclassed Hull Futsal Club, beating them 8-1, before giving another strong performance in a 6-1 victory over Team United FC.

Group D seems to already be settled before the final games on the morning of day two. With no way back for both Hull and Team United, both teams will try and retain some pride by sealing a consolation victory on Saturday.

Women’s Competition

The women’s competition began following the end of the men’s programme. The Futsal game has increased in popularity for women, with well established eleven-a-side teams having a go this year, in conjunction with playing in the UMBRO Fives competition.

Futsal is still relatively new for the Women’s game, so predicting favourites is a little harder as on the day any team can pull a quality performance out of the bag.

Last year's winners Watford Ladies, came into to competition looking to build on their performance in 2007, and are still the team to beat. One to watch for Watford though, is TNS Ladies.

The first day programme for the Women’s competition, saw each team play one group match, before they are to return on the morning of day two to play their remaining two matches before the final men’s games.

Group A

There was a change of teams from the original schedule, with Doncaster Rovers Belles replacing the Sheffield and Hallamshire CFA representative team and flying the flag for South Yorkshire. Doncaster Rovers Belles are new to the game of Futsal, having never played before at all. Their first match came against Loughborough Foxes and for a team that had never played Futsal before, they impressed with a very strong performance and a 7-3 victory. In the other Group A game, Team United also came out on top against Cambridge with a 5-1 win.

So Doncaster Rovers Belles WFC and Team United are favourites to reach the knockout stages after their performances.

Group B

Sheffield FC were the only team victorious in the Group B matches, beating Tranmere by 2-1. Yeovil Town FC managed a 2-2 draw with Bino Ladies FC.

Sheffield FC should qualify for the next stages after beating Tranmere and Yeovil looked to kill off Tranmere Victoria's chances of qualification by beating them in the morning, whilst hoping that Sheffield continue their winning streak and put Bino out of the running as they go into the third game.

Group C

13 goals were scored in the first round of matches in Group D. West Ham United Ladies hammered Worcester City by 8-0 and The New Saints Ladies beat Willesden by 5-0. It should be an interesting encounter when they face one another on the morning of Day 2.

The next matches on day two should be very interesting with the top two team’s ability to score goals. Worcester and Willesden need to win their next game to stay in contention to reach the knockout stages. After day one, The New Saints Ladies and West Ham look favourites to reach the knockout stages if they play as well as they did in their first games.

Group D

Last year's winners Watford Ladies started their campaign to retain the title with a steady victory against Dingle Ladies FC (3-1). Dingle are relatively new to the game of Futsal having only formed nine months ago, so it was hardly a bad result against reputably the best team in the country. In the other match, Rushden and Diamonds just squeezed an extra goal against South Downs College to win by 5-4.

There is still everything to play for in Group D, as long as South Downs and Dingle manage to beat Watford and Rushden in their second matches on the morning of day two. Both Watford and Rushden will be keen to confirm their qualification to the knockout stages before the third match, when they can rest key players.





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