Courtesy: RTE Sports


Republic ready for futsal challenge

Monday, 15 December 2008

The Republic of Ireland's futsal international team will not lack for motivation when they meet England at Loughborough University this Friday night (7.30pm).

Few Ireland v England games ever lack for spice but given that both sides are at the development stage in the official FIFA version of five-a-side football, this game could be a belter.

The Irish are looking to record their first victory at senior level after making their debut at that stage with two impressive displays against Hungary last month.

Following on from last season's UEFA Under-21 Championship campaign, when the Irish recorded a win over Azerbaijan, the focus is now on looking to qualify for the senior event.

As part of the preparations for the qualifiers in February, the Irish - managed by FAI Futsal Co-ordinator Derek O'Neill - are participating in a four-team tournament over the weekend.

England - who are also in Ireland's UEFA Championship qualifying group - are looking to pick up just their second ever victory at senior level after four years of trying.

The fact that the English have found it so difficult to record a win at this level sums up the task a fledgling nation like Ireland has to make its mark in the exciting futsal arena.

Futsal has been in existence since the 1920s but is particularly strong in Brazil, where it influenced the development of such stars as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Robinho.

It has been strongly embraced in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Russia - countries that all boast professional futsal leagues - while central Europe has also had futsal structures in place for many seasons.

The experience deficit is an obstacle that will be overcome in time and this weekend's tournament adds to the experience of the young Irish squad.

After meeting the English, next up for Ireland will be tournament favourites Libya on Saturday (2.30pm).

The North Africans recently starred at the World Championships in Brazil, where they secured an impressive 3-3 draw with Uruguay before bowing out in the first round. Ireland's final game is at 12.30pm against Lithuania.

Ireland's squad is made up of some outstanding young local based players, most of whom emerged from the FAI National League tournament in the past two years.

Shamrock Rovers defender Mark Langtry captains the side with Longford Town's Alan Lynch, Dane Massey of Bray Wanderers and veteran Thomas Morgan also boasting first team experience in the league this year.







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