Courtesy: UEFA.com


Romania advance despite defeat by Ukraine

Thursday 30 January 2014

Romania 0-1 Ukraine

Romania are the first team into the quarter-finals despite the Group A loss to Ukraine, who are also on the verge of the last eight.

by Wayne Harrison from Lotto Arena

Ukraine are well-placed to qualify for the UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 quarter-finals after a narrow victory against Romania, who are the first team through to the last eight despite defeat in Antwerp.

Having sat out the opening matchday in Group A, when Romania overwhelmed Belgium 6-1, the two-time runners-up claimed the points courtesy of Dmytro Sorokin's 18th-minute finish. While Romania can look forward to a Monday tie at the Sportpaleis, Ukraine will join them in the knockout stage if they avoid a three-goal loss to the hosts here on Saturday.

So organised defensively against Belgium, Romania were fortunate to escape an early lapse, Dmytro Bondar being denied by Vlad Iancu after intercepting Dumitru Stoica's square pass. Iancu came to the Tricolorii's aid again when he narrowed the angle to thwart Dmytro Sorokin, who had stolen possession and raced from inside his half. The Romania No1 then made it a hat-trick of first-half interventions as he beat out a strike from the same player, Vitaliy Kiselyov having dissected the defence with a diagonal pass.

A goal had been coming and when Ukraine did take the lead Iancu was powerless. Oleksandr Sorokin retrieved possession on the touchline and, looking up, laid the ball on a plate for his brother and Lokomotiv Kharkiv club-mate, Dmytro. If that briefly silenced the colourful cohort of Romania supporters in one corner of the Lotto Arena, they were back in fine voice at the start of the second period as the pace markedly increased.

After Stoica had fired over following a give-and-go with Marius Matei, Iancu made a double save, extending a leg to stop Denys Ovsyannikov and, on the rebound, the sliding Yevgen Rogachov. Having survived that scare, Nelu Stancea's men were forbidden an equaliser by the upright, Cosmin Gherman rattling the post. They were frustated by the woodwork once more late on, Robert Lupu the unfortunate individual this time, but it mattered not in the end.



Courtesy: UEFA.com


Netherlands fall as Portugal advance with Russia

Thursday 30 January 2014

Netherlands 0-5 Portugal

Portugal won their Group B bow to ensure both they and Russia progress while the Netherlands are the first team out despite a fine display.

by Paul Saffer from Lotto Arena

Portugal progressed to the UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 quarter-finals, taking Russia with them, after ending the hopes of the Netherlands in Group B.

Having lost 7-1 to Russia in the opening game on Tuesday, the Dutch needed a huge turnaround, but a second defeat means they are the first team eliminated. Portugal, behind Russia on goal difference, face the 2012 runners-up here on Saturday before both have Sportpaleis quarter-finals on Monday.

The Oranje were determined and straight away Antwerp-based Mohamed Attaibi stung the hands of João Benedito with a strong shot, and Najib El Allouchi was also denied. Their early ascendancy continued as Karim Mossauoi hit a post, but at the other end Petrus Grimmelius had to deny Joel Queirós and soon Portugal, missing the suspended Arnaldo, were on top.

Still, Mohammed Allouch countered and Benedito was fortunate to cut out his effort, but Portugal broke the deadlock when João Matos turned in pivot Cardinal's pass at the far post. Grimmelius was now a busy keeper, Ricardinho's powerful drive and Bruno Coelho's angled strike among those he kept out.

Benedito tipped Amir Molkarai's shot wide, and Portugal were grateful for the cushion of Joel Queirós's 104th international goal, from distance, in the 14th minute. Fan favourite Ricardinho showed he could defend late in the first half, blocking Attaibi's free-kick.

The sell-out crowd began the second half urging on the Netherlands, though with plenty of competition from the knot of Portugal fans behind the Dutch goal. Portugal remained on top, Joel Queirós turning a Ricardinho pass just past the post, while André Sousa, on at half-time for Benedito, twice made good diving saves from Attaibi and also tipped over El Allouchi's attempt.

However, their hopes were over in the last three minutes courtesy of pre-tournament injury doubt Cardinal's finish from a goalmouth scramble. There was still time for two Coelho strikes, both after quick counters masterminded by Ricardinho.







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