Spanish style wins through

Reigning champions Spain look set to defend their crown in Chinese Taipei next year after an away win against Slovenia in their 2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship play-off.

Healthy lead
Two goals in each half in Maribor were enough for a healthy lead ahead of the second leg in Caceres on 17 December. Andreu, Justo Cáceres, Javi Limones and Javi Rodriguez were all on target for the visitors while Valdi Lakoseljac earned a consolation for the home side.

Surprise equaliser
In front of 1,300 fans at Dvorana Tabor, the Spanish bided their time before turning the screw. In the ninth minute, Andreu was able to open the scoring with a firm left-foot shot into the net. However, Lakseljac earned a surprise equaliser six minutes later with a powerful free-kick.

Amado frustrates hosts
However, any Slovenian hopes of further success were soon dashed. Cáceres restored his side's advantage a minute after the equaliser before Javi Limones made it three in the 29th minute. The home team tried their best to force another goal but found Luis Amado in great form in the Spanish goal. And, when Javi Rodriguez added a fourth in the 32nd minute, the contest was as good as over.

Coach hopeful
Slovenia coach Darko Krizman said: "We were ineffective in our offensive play and the result of this is a 4:1 victory for Spanish team. I hope we will play better in Spain and prove our quality."