Familiar foes to meet again
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Article summary
Holders Spain have been paired with Russia, the team they beat in the 2005 final, in the 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship after the Porto draw.
Article body
Holders Spain have been paired with Russia, the team they beat in the 2005 final, in the 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship after today's draw in Porto.
Spanish strength
Javier Lozano's men are the reigning continental champions following their success against Russia in the 2005 edition played in the Czech Republic and will be favourite to lift the trophy again when this year's event is played between 16-25 November. They will play in Group B and, as well as facing Russia, who beat them in the inaugural 1999 showpiece, find themselves up against Serbia and two-time runners-up Ukraine. Hosts Portugal are in Group A along with 2003 winners Italy, Czech Republic and Romania. Two teams from each section will go forward to contest the semi-finals. National football coach Luiz Felipe Scolari switched codes to help conduct today's proceedings at Casa Ferreirinha.