Courtesy: UEFA.com


Araz threaten Barcelona in Slovenia

Former semi-finalists Araz Naxçivan seem the biggest threat to holders FC Barcelona in elite round Group A, but hosts FC Litija and MNK Split are relishing the challenge.

Monday 8 October 2012

FC Barcelona (ESP, holders)
Winning the UEFA Futsal Cup in their debut appearance last term marked Barcelona as the dominant force in Europe. They were equally impressive on the domestic front, where they triumphed in the Liga, the Copa España and the Copa del Rey. Despite waving goodbye to legendary captain and pivot Javi Rodríguez since then, the Azulgrana strengthened with the arrival of Spanish international Aicardo.

Barcelona are finding their feet this season following a surprising Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat by Murcia FS and are top of the Liga. Libero Sergio Lozano predicts improvements. "Maybe we don't yet have that spark in front of goal that you get towards the end of a season, but we're getting better and growing in confidence," he said.

Main round: bye
Key Players: Jordi Torras, Aicardo, Wilde

FC Litija (SVN, hosts)
Slovenian double-winners for the last two years, Litija have regularly proved themselves among the top European clubs despite their amateur status. They have again made the last 16 this time, topping their main round group ahead of the likes of Iberia Star Tbilisi. They hosted that section at home but will stage this group 40km away in the bigger hall at Lasko.

Coach Tomi Horvat said: "We could not get more attractive and stronger opponents in the elite round. Barcelona are the best team in the world. The other two teams, Araz from Azerbaijan and Split from Croatia, are nearer our ranking. I believe we will fight for at least second place. The teams know each other very well. The visit of Barcelona is a reward for our fans and players that will compete with the top players in the world."

Main round: Athina '90 Athens 7-2, Paris Sporting Club 3-3, Iberia Star Tbilisi 2-1 (Group 4 winners)
Key players: Igor Osredkar, Alen Fetič, Damir Puškar, Milivoje Simeunović, Damir Pertič

Araz Naxçivan (AZE)
The 2010 bronze medallists progressed through the elite round despite a default 5-0 defeat by EID Futsal, awarded because Araz fielded suspended keeper Laercio Buranello. Rodrigo De Melo's side have secured Vitaliy Borisov and welcomed back Biro Jade, so the squad looks solid and ambitions are flying high. "It was a tough group and the technical loss almost proved costly," said Borisov. "The elite round awaits now with Barcelona as our main opponents. We can beat the other clubs and will try to give Barça a battle. Araz have proved we are strong enough to play anyone."

Main round: EID Futsal 0-5 (forfeit), Club Futsal Eindhoven 4-3, Győri ETO FC 5-5 (Group 6 runners-up)
Key players: Vitaliy Borisov, Biro Jade, Karlos Alberto

MNK Split (CRO)
Split achieved their goal and went through the main round as runners-up in the group they hosted. "We are proud to reach an elite round, we are among the top 16 teams in Europe and now we will try to achieve a miracle there," said player-coach Ivica Osibov. "I will tell my guys that we need to do our best and to try to create a miracle." The team is mostly changed compared to last season and there are not many experienced players now.

"It was obvious when we lost 11-1 against Dinamo [in the main round], there are only few of us with much experience, but they learned something from that and it will be better in Slovenia. We are playing the first match against Barcelona, they are big favourites, but we will do our best. The second match against the hosts will be very important for us as we see our chance there."

Main round: Akademia FC Pniewy 5-0 (defaut), Lidselmash Lida 1-0, MFK Dinamo 1-11 (Group 5 runners-up)
Key players: Branko Laura, Ivica Osibov, Andrija Bogdanović

Reporters: Paul Bryan, Rok Sinkovc, Erkin Ibragimov & Elvir Islamovic



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Ekonomac, Chrudim challenge Kairat

Although Kairat Almaty are favourites to reach their fifth semi-final from elite round Group B, hosts KMF Ekonomac Kragujevac and FK EP Chrudim have similar ambitions in Serbia.

Monday 8 October 2012

Kairat Almaty (KAZ)
In the six seasons since the UEFA Futsal Cup finals became a four-team event, Kairat have been there three times and have made four semis in all. After falling in last season's elite round, they hope their mixture of Brazilians and young local talent will get them through this time. "The main thing I want to avoid is hearing all the time that we were really lucky with the draw," coach João Barbosa said. "KMF Ekonomac Kragujevac, FK EP Chrudim and Slov-Matic Bratislava are serious opponents; they went through the main round, where they met really strong sides."

Main round: bye
Key players: Leo Santana, Fumasa, Dinmukhambet Suleimenov.

KMF Ekonomac Kragujevac (SRB, hosts)
Having got close to the finals for the last two seasons, Ekonomac believe that they are ready to take that final step. They will host Group B of the elite round with an eye on securing first place. "It is too early and not in the spirit of sport to say, but we really expect to win our group," said coach Ivan Božović. "We live for that, we spent the last few months preparing and have a quality squad, ready for success. Of course, we must prove everything during the three matches, but I am optimistic. The supporters are also our advantage, the hall will be full."

His squad contains Serbian internationals Miodrag Aksentijević, the goalkeeper, Vidan Bojović, Slobodan Rajčević, Slobodan Janjić and key man Mladen Kocić. With Brazilians Daniel de Souza and Rudolpho da Kosta in the mix, Ekonomac are strong. Indeed, they beat the remainder of the Serbia squad 7-4, 8-2 and 6-4 last week in Italy, where the national team are on a pre-FIFA Futsal World Cup training camp.

Main round: Vegakameratene 6-2, KMF Zelezarec Skopje 8-1, FK Nikars Riga 4-3 (Group 2 winners)
Key players: Miodrag Aksentijević, Mladen Kocić, Daniel de Souza

Slov-Matic Bratislava (SVK)
The Slovakian champions, now only containing players from their country since the departure of Czech duo David Frič and Zdeněk Sláma, are in this stage for the fifth time but would be happy with a single point. "We should be happy that we were able to advance to this phase again, because that was our main goal," coach Ján Janík told UEFA.com. "Maybe we are the only team in the whole competition without foreign players.

"The finals are something unrealistic for us. We have to keep our feet on the ground. But for me is better to play with Chrudim or Kragujevac than Barcelona. Because with them we have a chance. It wasn't a bad draw, though Almaty will certainly be huge favourites.”

Main round: AC Omonia 3-3, Luparense C/5 0-0, FC Grand Pro Varna 7-2 (Group 1 runners-up)
Key players: Mário Gašparovič, Dušan Rafaj, Ladislav Mikita

FK EP Chrudim (CZE)
Chrudim, who claimed their eighth Czech title last season, are in their sixth elite round and have begun superbly in the league this year. They also got through the main round at home with their Brazilian-infused squad coached by Cacau, part of the Kairat team in 2008 that beat Chrudim to the finals. Like Kairat and Ekonomac, they fancy their chances.

"Our aim is to progress, but we know a hard job is in front of us," Cacau told UEFA.com. "We start against a strong home team and then we face the top seeded team of Kairat Almaty who I consider favourites. We are going to fight, we have a good team that will be well prepared for this phase." Douglas, Marek Kopecký and Lukáš Rešetár have recovered from injuries and will be ready to play at the tournament.

Main round: Energy Lviv 3-2, KMF Leotar Trebinje 4-0, City'US Târgu Mureş 4-5 (Group 3 runners-up)
Key players: Roman Mareš, Tomáš Meller, Lukáš Rešetár

Reporters: Aydyn Kozhakhmetov, Aleksandar Boskovic, Rastislav Hríbik & Ondrej Zlamal




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Dinamo return to Murcia

When Murcia FS hosted the first four-team finals in 2007 it was won by MFK Dinamo – they are matched again in the Spanish city alongside Energy Lviv and FK Nikars Riga in Group C.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Murcia FS (ESP, hosts)
Having suffered the disappointment of Liga defeat by rivals FC Barcelona last June, Murcia issued a statement of intent at the beginning of this term by overpowering the Azulgrana on their way to lifting the Spanish Super Cup. They eventually won the trophy via a final penalty shoot-out win against Interviú Madrid.

That victory formed part of Murcia's best start to a campaign in ten years and with winger Gréllo (eye complaint) and captain Kike (back) fully fit once more, Duda's side have their sights on a first UEFA Futsal Cup finals appearance since 2008. "We've started in good form this term but we must continue to work especially hard week in week out," said winger Miguelín. "On that basis and with a little luck, hopefully we can reach every final this season."

Main round: bye
Key players: Rafa, Adri, De Bail

MFK Dinamo (RUS)
Last season's runners-up, Dinamo, who won the UEFA Futsal Cup in 2007 in Murcia, celebrated their ten-year anniversary by moving from Moscow to Schelkovo in the Moskovskaya Oblast. They successfully defended their Russian title in 2011/12 and added three newcomers during the summer – MFK CSKA Moskva captain Sergei Sergeev, along with Russian international goalkeeper Gustavo and forward Pavel Suchilin.

Dinamo have also parted with Aleksei Filippov, who joined MFK KPRF, and Brazilian Vinícius, who returned to his homeland. Goalkeeper Gennadi Garagulya was transfer-listed at the end of August, though he is still in the squad. Gustavo, who missed four months after a severe head injury back in May, plays in a protective helmet. "All the additions were aimed to strengthen our squad ahead of the new season, and for the UEFA Cup as well," said Dinamo president Andrei Gubernski. "I think we can beat any team from any country now."

Main round: Akademia FC Pniewy 5-0 (forfeit), Lidselmash Lida 5-1, MNK
Split 11-1 (Group 5 winners)
Key players: Fernandinho, Cirilo, Tatù

Energy Lviv (UKR)
Fresh from a Ukrainian double, Energy have their sights set on reaching the finals but know the draw has made things very tough. "It will be interesting to test Ukraine's title holders against such opponents," said club president Olexandr Stefanko. His views are echoed by coach Stanislav Goncharenko, not pleased by conceding six of their eight goals in the main round from counterattacks.

Main round: FK EP Chrudim 2-3, City'US Târgu Mureş 6-3, KMF Leotar Trebinje 6-2 (Group 3 winners)
Key players: Serhiy Chepornyuk, Maxym Pavlenko, Denys Ovsyannikov

FK Nikars Riga (LVA)
The Latvian side have made swift progress in recent years but know they are outsiders here. "We were drawn against the big guns of European futsal," Nikars coach Aleksandrs Dibrivnijs told UEFA.com. "But that doesn't mean we should fear them, does it? This is a great challenge for the players, and for me.

"We are preparing ourselves very seriously and will try to surprise the favourites. I believe they will not just try to win against us, but to build a considerable goal difference. We will do our best for that not to happen." Nikars will be without striker Igors Avanesovs. "Unfortunately Igors broke his leg," Dibrivnijs said. "But he will still travel to Spain with us to support the team. The rest of the lads train hard and are eager to play."

Main round: KMF Zelezarec Skopje 6-1, KMF Ekonomac Kragujevac 3-4, Vegakameratene 2-1 (Group 2 runners-up)
Key players: Arnaldo, Jardel, Zé Maria

Reporters: Paul Bryan, Dmitri Rogovitskiy, Igor Linnyk & Mikhail Korolev




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Benfica travel to Iberia

Iberia Star Tbilisi host Group D and hope to reach their first finals, but former champions SL Benfica, Italy's Luparense C/5 and Hungary's ETO FC Győr have other ideas.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

SL Benfica (POR)
Benfica, who won the UEFA Futsal Cup in 2010, reclaimed the Portuguese title from rivals Sporting Clube de Portugal last season having won the domestic cup against AD Modicus Sandim. They also claimed the Super Cup, beating Sporting in the final.

Benfica, led by experienced coach Paulo Fernandes, are packed with Portuguese and Brazilian internationals and are ambitious to return to the European finals. However, they are without Ricardinho following his return to Nagoya Oceans. "Our main focus are the domestic competitions but after the European title in 2010 we have a status that allows us to dream about another UEFA Futsal Cup victory," Fernandes said. "We want to be in the big games that are played in the last four."

Main round: bye
Key players: Joel Queirós, César Paulo, Gonçalo Alves, Davi

Luparense C/5 (ITA)
Luparense were fourth in Lisbon in 2010 and are back in Europe after winning a fourth Italian title in June. On the bench this season is Fulvio Colini, the man who led ASD Città di Montesilvano C/5 to UEFA Futsal Cup victory in Almaty – an Italian at the helm after Spanish coaches Jesús Velasco, Fede Vidal, Sito Rivera and Julio Fernandez. The goals of Humberto Honorio are key and he said: "We will need great focus in the elite round. I believe that in Georgia the psychological aspect, our heads, will be more important than our playing system."

Main round: FC Grand Pro Varna 2-0, Slov Matic Bratislava 0-0, AC Omonia 5-1 (Group 1 winners)
Key Players: Humberto Honorio, Fabiano Assad, Alex Merlim

ETO FC Győr (HUN)
Győr go into the elite round on the back of a 10-1 win against Rubeola FC Csömör in a match brought forward to accommodate the club's intensive schedule this autumn. Ákos Harnisch and Ion Al-Ioani both grabbed hat-tricks. The only injury worry for coach Marco Angulo ahead of the trip to Tbilisi is Spanish international Juanra, who missed the Csömör match.

Key players are likely to be Juanra if fit, Romanian Ion Al-Ioani, Portugal's Hugo Martins and Fábio Aguiar. Also important will be captain and top scorer in the main round Tamás Lódi, while fellow Hungarians Zoltán Droth and Ákos Harnisch also pose a goal threat.

Main round: Futsal Club Eindhoven 3-0, EID Futsal 6-2, Araz Naxçivan 5-5 (Group 6 winners)
Key players: Juanra, Ion Al-Ioani, Hugo Martins, Fábio Aguiar, Tamás Lódi

Iberia Star Tbilisi (GEO, hosts)
The only team to have participated in all 12 UEFA Futsal Cup seasons are in the elite round for the fourth time in a row with a clear desire for a finals debut. Iberia Star traditionally have a Brazilian core and are hosting the elite round in front of their own fans for the first time. Under new coach Sergio Benatti, who won the 2005 UEFA Futsal Cup with Action 21 Charleroi, Iberia Star won the Lviv Open in the summer. However, they will be missing Roninho and Betinho in the opening match against Luparense due to suspension.

Main round: Paris Sporting Club 3-2, Athina '90 Athens 3-1, FC Litija 1-2 (Group 4 runners-up)
Key players: Celio, Giorgi Altunashvili, Roninho

Reporters: Hugo Pietra, Francesco Corda, Matthew Watson-Broughton. Vakhtang Bzikadze






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