Courtesy: UEFA.com


Spain the team to beat at Futsal EURO

The first continental finals of the new year begin on 28 January when Antwerp is the setting for UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 as Spain aim for a fifth straight European title.

Thursday 2 January 2014

by Paul Saffer

The first continental finals of the new year begin on 28 January when Antwerp is the setting for UEFA Futsal EURO 2014.

Spain will be aiming for a fifth straight title and 11 nations will challenge them in the Belgian city. Among them are 1999 winners Russia, who came within a minute of snatching the crown two years ago in Croatia, 2003 champions Italy and former runners-up Ukraine and Portugal.

Russia kick off the finals on 28 January against the Netherlands, qualifying for the first time since 2005, before hosts Belgium open against Romania. Portugal are also in Russia's section while holders Spain take on recent semi-finalists Croatia and the Czech Republic.

The group stage will be held at the Lotto Arena between 28 January and 2 February before switching to the adjacent, and larger, Sportpaleis for the knockout phase over the following six days – for which the first two sides in each group qualify. All matches will be shown live on Eurosport 1 or 2.

All 12 teams have been warming up with a busy programme of friendlies – UEFA.com has all the scores and fixtures.

Tickets are priced at €10 and €5 with children under 12 admitted free.

Draw
Group A: Belgium (hosts), Ukraine, Romania
Group B: Russia, Portugal, Netherlands
Group C: Italy, Azerbaijan, Slovenia
Group D: Spain (holders), Czech Republic, Croatia






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