Garcia takes stock after Italy heartbreak
Sunday 14 December 2008
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Leandro Garcia shows his frustration after hitting the post seven seconds from the end (©sportsfile)
Italy goalkeeper Leandro Garcia watched the first half of the UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament final from the bench but was to play a huge role in the heartbreaking defeat by Russia.
Heartbreak
With the score at 2-0 to Russia at the break, Italy coach Paolo Minicucci – for the first time in the tournament – turned to Garcia and it quickly became clear why as the goalkeeper continually advanced and acted almost as a playmaker, also threatening with some ferocious shots, one of which led to their equaliser. In extra time Italy trailed, then led through two quickfire Wellington Coco goals before falling 5-4 down. With seven seconds left they were awarded a double penalty with which Garcia hit the post.
'Hard to speak'
"It is difficult to speak about this match," Garcia told uefa.com. "We could have won and we all expected this achievement. Then our luck vanished, the ball hit the inside of the post three times and didn't want to go in, it's unbelievable. I thought that my shot was in but that was not the case."
Role
Garcia explained why a previously unused substitute should be given such a central role midway through the final. "I came on because I'm skilful with the ball. I knew that when necessary I could play. I was sure of myself. I did well, I hoped for a different result but it was not possible. When Coco scored his double I thought that we had won. I told myself the prize is ours and nobody can take it from us. The coach told us to pay attention on dead-balls but we were not cute enough to do that."
Coco's reflection
Coco himself had his own reflections on the loss. "Perhaps at the start we were lacking confidence and were not able to believe that now we were in the final, we could actually win it," said one of the most impressive players in the tournament. "We played really well but just not at the end. A lack of aggression and confidence was why we lost. I am satisfied with what I did and how we played. I played for my team and I would not have been a hero had we won. Russia deserved to win this game as they capitalised on our mistakes."
Positive note
However, Garcia was able to put the loss into perspective. "This tournament was a positive experience, because my career is beginning now," he said. "To start with a second place and playing well is important. I want to keep up this achievement for the rest of my life."
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