Courtesy: UEFA.com


Russia and Portugal play out eight-goal thriller

Saturday 1 February 2014

All eight strikes came in the second half, with Eder Lima's stunning final equaliser giving Russia first place in Group B on goal difference.

Portugal 4-4 Russia

by Paul Saffer from Lotto Arena

Russia finished top of UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 Group B on goal difference after a draw in which all eight strikes came in the second half.

Both teams led twice, but the decisive goal was also the best, a spectacular Eder Lima effort. These sides continue their campaigns in Monday's quarter-finals next door at the Sportpaleis, but Russia will miss Pula after his red card.

Portugal were without Joel Queirós, whose foot injury may also rule him out on Monday, but welcomed back Arnaldo Pereira from suspension and he hit the crossbar early on. Portugal's Gonçalo and Pedro Cary drew saves from Gustavo, while at the other end Eder Lima turned a Vladislav Shayakhmetov kick-in just wide.

João Benedito again gave way at half-time, tonight for Cristiano, ensuring all three of Portugal's goalkeepers have seen action in the group. But his opposite number Gustavo was soon picking the ball out of the net following Ricardinho's first-time finish after Sergei Sergeev was tackled in midfield.

No matter, Sergei Abramov almost immediately levelled from Aleksandr Fukin's corner. And just 93 seconds after Ricardinho's opener, Nikolai Pereverzev robbed Leitão, advanced and put Russia in front.

Eder Lima hit the Portugal crossbar, but Gonçalo levelled just before the midway point of the half with a neat finish. Once again, though, Russia did not wait long to respond, Shayakhmetov’s free-kick touched on by Sergeev for Eder Lima to make it 3-2 with his chest. However, a Pedro Cary kick-in was then sliced into his own net from a tight ankle by Fukin.

Pula was dismissed just under six minutes from the end for a foul on Arnaldo and early into the power play Cardinal hit a post. The move continued and Gonçalo got Portugal's fourth from out wide. Russia did not worry and produced the goal of the tournament as Robinho's lofted cross was met by an acrobatic Eder Lima bicycle kick. A fitting end to an incredible spell of play.




Courtesy: UEFA.com


Ukraine progress, eliminate hosts Belgium

Saturday 1 February 2014

The first goalless draw of the finals was not short on excitement as Ukraine gained the point they needed to top Group A and end the hosts' hopes.

Ukraine 0-0 Belgium

by Wayne Harrison from Lotto Arena

Ukraine gained the point they needed against Belgium to advance to the quarter-finals as Group A winners and eliminate the hosts from UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 in the process.

Requiring a three-goal triumph to progress at the expense of the two-time runners-up having lost 6-1 to a Romania side Ukraine beat 1-0, Belgium were denied victory by a stoic rearguard action and the expertise of incoming goalkeeper Kyrylo Tsypun. Ukraine's reward is a last-eight tie on Monday next door at the Sportpaleis against Portugal, for which Oleksandr Sorokin is suspended. Belgium exit with their heads held high.

That their side faced an uphill task did not deter the enthusiastic home supporters, who were given cause to warm their vocal chords further when Saad Salhi, in the starting five for the suspended Omar Rahou, stung the palms of Tsypun.

Tsypun was between the posts instead of Yevgen Ivanyak, who was nursing a knock, and his replacement had to stay big to halt Lúcio's charge on goal. As their situation merited, Belgium were taking the initiative, not letting Ukraine settle.

Once more they pressed, Jonathan Neukermans exchanging passes with captain Karim Chaibai and testing Tsypun. Before the break, Ukraine's ever busy No12 foiled Ahmed Sababti, Aziz Hitou and Lúcio, their opponents' only significant opening in that period a shot by Petro Shoturma against the upright. Tsypun quickly returned to the fore after the restart when beating out Valentin Dujacquier's drive and Chaibai's acute attempt.

As the clock ticked down, Lúcio was deployed as a flying keeper. When David Morant rejoined proceedings he saved from Yevgen Valenko and Vitaliy Kiselyov after Liliu had been dismissed for a second booking. Morant shone again late on as Ukraine let the shackles off, safe in the knowledge they had done enough. Dujacquier then smacked a post as Belgium tried in vain for a consolatory win.






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