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'The ambition to win is the same'

Julio tells uefa.com that Spanish champions Boomerang Interviú FS are eager to reclaim the UEFA Futsal Cup.

By Andy Hall

Boomerang Interviú FS endured a gruelling 2004/05 season that saw them lose their grip on the UEFA Futsal Cup - but stalwart Julio has told uefa.com that "the ambition that drives us is stronger than ever".

Charleroi heartbreak
A last-gasp Action 21 Charleroi equaliser in their decisive second qualifying round encounter ended unbeaten Boomerang's continental reign on goal difference, and the trophy duly found its way to Belgium. They subsequently retained the Spanish title in a thrilling play-off series against El Pozo Murcia FS, having already won the Spanish Cup and Intercontinental Futsal Cup, defeating Brazil's Malwee Jaraguà 5-2 in April.

Demanding year
Julio, part of five Spanish league successes at Boomerang as well as their European and intercontinental triumphs, said it had been a tough campaign in which he and several team-mates not only had a demanding domestic programme, but also helped Spain to FIFA Futsal World Championship and UEFA European Futsal Championship victories.

Probems overcome
He said to uefa.com: "It has been a successful year despite all the problems we encountered. Apart from a demanding calendar which included international commitments, there were other circumstances that complicated things for us - fortunately, we were able to overcome those problems."

Absent players
Indeed, coach Jesús Candelas had to reshuffle his pack a number of times, losing talismanic Daniel to injury in November along with lengthy international absences for Julio and Co. The team was at an unusually low ebb when they travelled to Belgium in April, going out to a goal seconds from the end of that game.

Driving ambition
"Although I thought Charleroi were deserved winners, conceding the decisive goal against them in the last 16 seconds of our meeting is still a thorn in our side and the main reason we are eager to do well in the next edition of the competition," Julio said.

Italian trip
Last week, Boomerang learned they would be on their way to Italy in October to start their 2005/06 UEFA Futsal Cup bid, facing first qualifying round Group 7 hosts Erregi Travel Perugia. FC Camelot Chisinau and Alfa Parf Skopje complete what Julio considers a dangerous group.

'Tough draw'
"It is a tough draw for us, made even tougher by the fact we have to travel to Italy," he continued. "But we never expect it to be easy - beating Perugia on home turf will be very difficult. Whoever you face in this competition, you know you will have to suffer to advance but if you really want to be European champions then you have to go out and win all your games."

Positive outlook
Ending on a positive note, Julio expressed his delight at his recent contract extension and the way Brazilian new boys Gabriel and Neto have settled into the side. Julio said: "Gabriel has completely adapted to our style now and that has given us an extra edge. Neto has too although perhaps he needs a little more time to fully adjust."

Other arrivals
The arrivals of Playas de Castellón FS and Spanish international goalkeeper Rafa, to replace retired custodian Jesús, and new physical trainer Miguel Andrés have also boosted the squad, and Julio said their ambition still runs deep.

Spanish intuition
"The team have been together a long time and we all know each other so well that there is a certain intuition between us," he said. "We have won many titles in Spain and outside of Spain but the ambition to win more is still the same, obviously we will have to wait and see if we can."

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