Lozano casts an expert eye

By Andy Hall

Fresh from his recent successes on the European and world stage, Spain coach Javier Lozano took time out to analyse the finalists in the UEFA Futsal Cup - Action 21 Charleroi and MFK Dinamo Moskva. He told uefa.com that he expects a closely-fought affair when the two-legged tie is played on 23 and 30 April.

uefa.com: Firstly, if we can briefly backtrack to the second qualifying round and discuss the exits of both Spanish teams: Boomerang Interviú FS and El Pozo Murcia FS.

Javier Lozano: Both were beaten fair and square, or rather, their rivals were deserved winners. They faced opposition that were assumed to not be as dangerous, but who knew how to use their weaponry to the full and knew how to compete better.

uefa.com: Did it come as a surprise to see both eliminated right at the death?

Lozano: It was a surprise in a sense but at the same time, you are always aware that being knocked out is a possibility and you have to go into these competitions knowing that. In another sense, it shows that Spanish clubs are human and that they can be beaten - that in itself is very healthy for the sport. Both have been doing very well in the División de Honor, a series of games over a long period of time, but in one game either side can win.

uefa.com: Will this be the case in the final too?

Lozano: Absolutely, in top-level competition the smallest details can have the biggest consequences. If you can imagine, Futsal matches are divided into many small battles that are constantly being won or lost. Both sides have to take advantage when, emotionally, they find themselves in a favourable moment. There will be times when things are turning out well and your confidence will grow. You have to capitalise on those moments because later, the same will happen to your opposition and that is when doubts start to set in - this goes on at various stages of all games and you have to take your chances when they occur.

uefa.com: How do you envisage the final?

Lozano: I think the final is going to be a very close contest. Charleroi are slightly more experienced in events like this, having been in two finals previously. Normally, the experience of having been through these kinds of games gives you an edge in terms of being more relaxed. But Dinamo are a very ambitious side - one that likes to win. In terms of each team's game, both are quite happy to allow their rivals to manage the ball and wait for their moment to strike.

uefa.com: Could Charleroi's Brazilian influence make a difference?

Lozano: Charleroi have a lot of Brazilian players and that means that they are able to manage the ball well and conduct the game. It will be interesting to see one side that are technically adept facing another that are absolutely explosive. Dinamo's counterattacking is lethal, they have tremendous velocity while Charleroi's main strength is their control.

uefa.com: Meanwhile, Dinamo have Sergei Ivanov, the tournament's leading goal scorer.

Lozano: Ivanov is a typical example of the new generation of Russian players. He is incredibly quick, possesses good footwork and is explosive to watch. He has a great capacity to pull surprises and that is the essence of Dinamo.

uefa.com: How will the home and away factor affect both teams?

Lozano: I think the key to winning will be in the first leg in Charleroi. Both games are going to be very different and both sides will have to adapt in mental and tactical terms to the circumstances they face in Belgium and Moscow.