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FIFA.comFriendship key to Italian connectionSunday 4 November 2012Anyone who saw Stefano Mammarella and Marcio Forte celebrating after Italy’s 9-1 opening victory against Australia at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012 could see that more than just a common desire for success with the Squadra Azzurra connects the Italian duo.
“We’ve known each other for years and have been friends ever since we played together for Montesilvano at club level,” goalkeeper Mammarella told FIFA.com in a joint interview with his team-mate.
The bond between the pair, who are also room-mates, is evident both on and off the futsal court. “I know him very well. He’s a very quiet room-mate and he’s always extremely focused,” Forte said of the custodian, who is no less effusive in praise of his captain. “Marcio is a very honest guy and always speaks his mind. Sometimes he makes fun of me because I’m a little bit bigger than he is, but we’re very good friends nonetheless,” said the 28-year-old keeper.
Forte’s sense of humour became increasingly evident over the course of the interview. When Mammarella, who describes himself as “a different person” during a game, was asked about his vocal style of play, where he constantly barks instructions at his team-mates, Forte interrupted with a smile: “Well, he even talks in his sleep too!”
The pair’s on-court chemistry clearly benefits the team as well. During the comfortable victory over the Futsalroos, their inherent understanding of each other’s game was clear to see. Mammarella’s dangerous throws to swiftly launch attacks found Forte more often than not. The captain subsequently scored a goal himself, set up another and had several other dangerous chances.
“I know that Marcio gets into position as soon as I have the ball. That’s why the first thing I do is always to see where he is and if he’s free,” said the Italy No1. The admiration is mutual, with Forte describing the shot-stopper as “one of the best in the world in his position. He has a great future ahead of him. Stefano is a very focused person and works hard at improving every day. He never gives up. He’s a real leader.”
At 35, Forte is the oldest member of Roberto Menichelli’s squad. The veteran has been part of the national team set-up since 2008 and was crucial to Italy’s third-placed finish at the global tournament four years ago.
“He is a very good captain,” said Mammarella. “Marcio always finds a way to motivate the side and get the best out of us. He’s one of the best defenders in the world and I’m very happy he’s in my team.”
Coach Menichelli himself is also delighted with the pair’s understanding. “I think Stefano and Marcio play especially well together not only because they train a lot, but also because they’ve known each other so long,” the coach told FIFA.com.
It will be interesting to see how far their friendship will take them in Thailand, where it will next be put to the test on Monday against Argentina. Yet as amicable as Mammarella and Forte are off the court, they share the same steely motto on it: “We’ll do anything to win the title.”
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FIFA.comAlvarado, Panama’s rebel with a causeSunday 4 November 2012If you had to pick two words to describe Alquis Alvarado, captain of the Panama side who began Thailand 2012 with a resounding 8-3 comeback win over Morocco, both ‘unorthodox’ and ‘audacious’ may well fit the bill.
“I think those words describe the whole squad, not just me,” Alvarado told FIFA.com. “We all come from very humble backgrounds, where we used to play a five-a-side version of the game, which was pretty similar to futsal. We used to organise leagues that were far from professional, but we had passion and enthusiasm in spades. This team does too,” added the gifted 26-year-old wide-man.
That passion came in handy for Los Canaleros against Morocco, particularly after the latter stormed into an early three-goal lead. “What happened? Nerves simply got the better of us,” explained Alvarado, a fervent admirer of Lionel Messi and who also wears the No10. “It was something we’d never experienced before, not even in our warm-up games against European sides. But I never stopped believing we could turn things around.”
Born in the populous district of San Miguelito in Panama Province, Alvarado first played futsal at the age of 15. His national-team debut came in 2003 and, though he has been a regular since, he still has to find another way to make ends meet. “I work as a construction worker, putting up walls, painting – whatever I need to do to support my two daughters, who are seven and three-years-old.”
So, where does futsal stand in this context? “It’s all about the honour of representing your country,” said Alvarado, who dyed a section of his hair red due to November being 'el mes de la patria' (the month of the motherland), during which Panama celebrates its independence on three separate days – all of great historical significance – over the course of the month.
What's more, Los Canaleros’ skipper knows he has a golden opportunity here at Thailand 2012. “Having a good tournament could put us in the shop window,” he said. “We all dream of being able to make a living from the game, and I’d love to play in Spain, because that’s where the best players are. I’d even snap up an opportunity in 11-a-side football if it came along: I love futsal but I have to put my family first.”
Next up for Panama are, funnily enough, two-time world champions Spain. “They’re at the top of the tree in futsal, and that’s the challenge for us,” said Alvarado. “Winning would be a dream, but we’re realistic. The final score isn’t as important as the experience we’ll gain from this game. Even so, I think we might be able to sneak a draw.”
Easier said than done, but Panama’s No10 believes that “if we can do what we like best, which is enjoying ourselves without caring who we’re up against, we can get a result.
"They’re the favourites, but the same thing happened in qualifying for this World Cup,” he added, before ending the conversation in bullish fashion. “People thought we were there to make up the numbers, but here we are. Panama are here to spring a surprise. Several surprises in fact!”
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FIFA.comLeaders clash, slow starters play catch-upSunday 4 November 2012Italy are sure to face a stern test as they take on Argentina on the fifth day of action at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012, while fellow Group D sides Australia and Mexico prepare to battle it out for their first win at the competition. Over in Group B, heavily fancied Spain and rivals Iran are both searching for their first three points against Panama and Morocco respectively after the opening game between the powerhouse duo ended in a 2-2 draw.
Match of the dayArgentina-Italy, Bangkok, Nimibutr Stadium, 5 November 2012, 19:00 (local time)
These two sides are always exciting to watch, while both will be looking to confirm high pre-tournament expectations. Italy can lay claim the biggest win of the section so far following their 9-1 battering of Australia, and it will be interesting to see if Saad Assis and Co can maintain the high standards they have set for themselves.
Argentina, meanwhile, will be looking to serve up a dose of revenge. The two teams last met in Chinese Taipei in 2004, when the Squadra Azzurra defeated the South Americans for the sixth consecutive occasion. One has to go all the way back to the 1998 Mundialito for the first and last time La Albiceleste got the better of the Italians.
Other highlightsTwo-time tournament winners Spain face Panama, who currently top Group B after an emphatic 8-3 win against Morocco. Following their opening draw against a doughty Iran side, La Roja will be determined to add thrust to their campaign with a victory.
Having shown bravery aplenty to fight back from two goals against the Spaniards, Iran will want a repeat of that performance when they take on Morocco. Iranian goalkeeper Mostafa Nazari was instrumental against the 2000 and 2004 world champions but will probably come under less pressure against the North Africans, who squandered a comfortable lead in their loss to Panama.
Over in Group D, Mexico face Australia, and both sides are still smarting from their opening-match losses. All of which means the battle between the section’s current two stragglers should make for compelling viewing.
Player to watchMidfielder Fernando Mena has been central to Panama’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with at Thailand 2012. His two goals and two assists against Morocco will make him a vital part of coach Agustin Campuzano’s plans when they take on reigning European champions Spain on Monday.
The stat45 – The number of goals scored by Iran at the AFC Futsal Championship 2012, making them the tournament’s most prolific attacking team. They seem to have carried their form into Thailand 2012, by scoring twice against a Spanish side that did not concede once during the qualifiers.
The words“Are we worried about Italy? I think it’s natural for any team to be a bit concerned when they come up against a strong opponent. It’s a positive thing, too, because in a tournament like this you can’t afford to be too relaxed. We believe in ourselves, but Italy will make this game hard for us,”
Fernando Larranaga, Argentina’s coach.The scheduleAustralia-Mexico (Bangkok, Nimibutr Stadium, 17:00)
Argentina-Italy (Bangkok, Nimibutr Stadium, 19:00)
Morocco-Iran (Bangkok, Indoor Stadium Huamark, 19:00)
Spain-Panama (Indoor Stadium Huamark, 21:00)
(All kick-off times are local)
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FIFA.comTragedy-hit Morocco bouncing backSunday 4 November 2012In the discussing and reporting of football, hyperbole is everywhere. Defeats are described as ‘tragedies’, surprises ‘miracles’; rarely do the events justify such vivid language.
Hicham Dguig’s story represents a notable exception. When the Morocco coach speaks in hushed tones about “a drama”, it is has absolutely nothing to do with surrendering a 3-0 lead to lose 8-3 against Panama in their Thailand 2012 opener. These words instead relate to a genuine tragedy: a car crash in early September that left two of his players dead, and Dguig himself badly injured.
"It changed our lives forever," said the coach, whose movements are still affected by the wounds he sustained. "We were close to death. For me and others involved that day, it’s a real miracle that we’re alive today and are able to stand, walk and have a normal life, never mind play sport. We survived, thank God. But sadly those two players – one of whom was a real pillar of my team – did not."
Inevitably, the physical and mental after-effects had a major impact on Morocco’s preparations for Thailand 2012, and their second-half collapse against Panama perhaps alluded to the problems encountered. Yet this horrific incident has also afforded everyone in the squad a sense of perspective when it comes to the importance of winning and losing football matches. Dguig, for one, clearly sees the bigger picture.
"We must remember that participating in a World Cup is a dream for every player and coach,” he said. “It gives us the opportunity to face the best teams, which will help us to improve the level of our game. It also represents a great opportunity to make friends and meet people from around the world – these events represent the spirit of sport."
Even at this stage, advancing from a section that also includes two futsal heavyweights in Spain and Iran looks to be a forlorn hope. However, Dguig will head for home a happy man if Moroccan futsal benefits from the high profile their Thai adventure is receiving.
"Our compatriots are aware of the importance of this World Cup,” he said. “They know that we came here to put Morocco on the futsal map, and some of them have even travelled all the way to Thailand to support us. Morocco is already a great football nation, and we want futsal to win their hearts too.
"I have heard that people back home have been following our team since we arrived in Bangkok, and that’s a very good thing for us to know. In our next games, we will ask our players to overcome their lack of experience by showing fighting spirit and determination. We don’t want to disappoint them.”
Win, lose or draw, there seems little chance of that. Nguig has already shown just the qualities he seeks of his charges merely by being here.
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FIFA.com11+ takes centre stage in BangkokSunday 4 November 2012FIFA’s 11+ warm-up programme was today the subject of a workshop held in Bangkok Hospital and broadcast throughout Thailand. Coaches, assistant coaches, exercise specialists, sports scientists, nurses and physiotherapists were all in attendance as Dr. Mario Bizzini of FIFA’s Medical Assessment & Research Centre led a presentation on the programme’s techniques and procedures.
The event was also broadcast via teleconference to hospitals across the country, enabling other football and health professionals to benefit from the scientifically-proven advantages of the 11+. And as FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jiri Dvorak, recently explained, these benefits are considerable.
“Regular implementation of the 11+ warm-up programme reduces regular injuries by 30 per cent and severe injuries by 50 per cent,” Dvorak told the FIFA Medical Conference. “It reduces match injuries by 12 per cent and training injuries by 25 per cent, and reduces insurance costs by approximately 15 per cent.”
Today’s workshop, which was held in conjunction with the Football Association, consisted of two sessions. The first featured a lecture on the causes, treatment and prevention of football-related injuries, and the principles and techniques behind the FIFA 11+ warm-up programme. During the second, participants had an opportunity to put these techniques into practice.
For all present, the lessons learned are sure to prove useful. After all, as Dr. Paisal Chantarapitak, Senior Group Captain of the Medical Association of Thailand and Chairman of the Medical Committee of the Football Association of Thailand, pointed out, injuries can strike at any time during a match . “They can also be so serious that they take a long time to treat and recover from and can have a negative impact on the teams,” he added.
“In order to prevent these problems, and for trainers and medical attendants to better understand the causes, prevention and treatment of common injuries in accordance with the practice of the FIFA 11+, we decided to organise this workshop. It was also a good opportunity to encourage all sporting personnel to learn new techniques and guidelines for the pre-game warm-up.”
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luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
