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Scotland 8-2 Northern Ireland

Sunday, 4 December 2016

Scotland secured 3rd place in the inaugural Home Nations Futsal Championship with a comfortable 8-2 win over futsal newbies Northern Ireland.

It was a high scoring affair in fitting with the typical 3rd place playoff. Neither side had anything to lose and for both a win would signal progress on the international stage.

Scotland only had four prior victories, two of which against Republic of Ireland 15 years ago and will value this win as a spring board to bigger things. Northern Ireland can go away content with performances that provide promise and a bright future if the Irish FA invest into the growing sport.

Northern Ireland went 2-0 down early on but fought back to keep the game tight but Forsythe and Smith gave the Scots a 4-1 lead going into half time. A similar second half saw Scotland dominate in posession and chances and could almost have had double figures had Ryan Robb finished into an open goal. Despite his miss, the youngster coolly laid in McCleish for a superb assist.

Smith doubled his tally late on as the tartan army cruised to victory to the delight of Mark Potter who has the UEFA EURO to prepare for in January.

Scotland finish 3rd in the first Home Nations Futsal Championship, condemning the newcomers to last place, but both nations will see positives for the future of futsal in their respective countries.




Wales 6-2 England

Sunday, 4 December 2016

Wales clinched the first ever Home Nations Futsal Championship title with a shock win over the favourites, England.

England dominated the early proceedings in possession and shots on goal but couldn’t find the finishing touch to beat Dafydd Jones in goal. England had a lot of joy playing off the pivot, but failed to find the finish needed.

And it cost them as Wales took the lead against the run of play in the 10th minute when Rico Zulkarnain played a deft back heel through Stuart Cook’s legs to set up Simon Prangley who powered past Jonny Sim in the England goal with his left foot. Luke Ballinger scored his 4th of the tournament when he turned and slotted home in the 11th minute to restore parity.

Chris Hugh put the Welsh back in front from a corner as he found himself in space eight metres out and shot first time into the bottom left corner in the 14th minute. Prangley extended Wales’ lead to give them a two goal cushion at the interval with a fine strike to the delight of the large crowd.

After the break, England continued as before, dominating possession and chances, but again, Daffyd Jones was on top form and kept out the Three Lions.

Wales extended their lead through Elliot Thomas and he shortly doubled his own tally and put Wales firmly in the driving seat Wales hit England on the counter attack. A swift break, with Rico Zulkarnain playing Thomas through to finish into an open goal.

Max Kilman got one back for England as they threw everything forward to get the win, with Agon Rexha coming on in goal to play fly goalkeeper. England moved the ball around and threatened the Wales goal, but couldn’t utilise the extra man and when Naim Arsan broke away, the stand-in goalkeeper had to pull him back, but only to be dismissed. England, down to four and with time running out.

After the two minutes had passed, Cook entered the fray for one last attempt at fly goalkeeper but it wasn’t to be as Wales held on to an impressive victory over their rivals.

It was a tactical masterclass by Richard Gunney. His Welsh side executed a perfect game plan and thwarted England’s attack before picking off the favourites at set plays and counter attacks.
England must regroup and evaluate the failings before the UEFA EURO qualifiers in January, with Skubala potentially being replaced this month, while Wales will be happy with their progress.


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