Charleroi celebrate after classic

By Paul Saffer at the Druzhba Sports Hall

Action 21 Charleroi won the 2004/05 Futsal Cup after a breathtaking final with MFK Dinamo Moskva that could so easily have gone the other way.

True classic
In their third final, Action 21 Charleroi were determined to win, having gained a 4-3 lead from their home leg. And although Dinamo had the advantage twice in the 40 minutes and again in extra time, Kelson and Eder struck in the late stages to decide a true classic despite a red card for Charleroi youngster Robinho.

Sole change
The only change to either team from last week was the suspension of Dinamo's third goalscorer Konstantin Maevski, replaced by Alexandre Rakhimov, himself back from a first-leg ban. Sergei Ivanov had sat out the opener on the bench due to injury fears, but started today and made an immediate effect.

Deadly Ivanov
Just 60 seconds were gone when the Russian international received the ball on the right after good work from Pelé. His shot was powerful and accurate, and Dinamo were now ahead on away goals.

Advantage restored
Openings were appearing at both ends, Stanislav Larionov shooting over for Dinamo and his captain Pavel Stepanov saving well from Alex. And it was Charleroi's own on-pitch leader who restored their aggregate lead nine minutes in, breaking from halfway and shooting low and accurately past the Dinamo custodian.

Great save
Stepanov then kept his side in touch with a great double-save from Andre, while Eder Fehrmann, in the Charleroi goal, was also proving his alertness, denying Larionov with a full-length dive. Joan cut out a Lúcio Rosa pass and broke, but could not quite find the target.

Alex again
Pelé looked likely to reopen Dinamo's advantage two minutes from the break, but his shot was blocked. And within seconds Charleroi were ahead in the leg, Alex's strike sneaking through the legs of Stepanov.

Pressure on
Moments into the second half, Stepanov tipped an Alex effort wide, while Fehrmann yet again got the better of Larionov. Dinamo were now piling on the pressure, Sergei Malychev hitting the crossbar, and a second home goal seemed inevitable, especially after Robinho, booked before the break, earned another caution and his participation ended.

Joan joy
It arrived through the small Brazilian Joan, sidefooting in after a passing move. Larionov went close once more soon after, as Dinamo sensed their chance. With eight minutes left, they sure enough put themselves in pole position, Olexiy Kudlay breaking through, keeping his feet, and beating Fehrmann.

Andre on target
With Charleroi having to push and Dinamo full of beans, play was becoming hectic. And it was from a goalmouth scramble that Charleroi edged back into the lead, Andre slamming in from a tight angle.

Extra time required
Extra time, which had seemed an outside bet at the outset, was now a real possibility, even as Stepanov did well to deny Liliu. And it became reality as, with Joan on as a stand-in goalkeeper, Ivanov finished off a fine combination with aplomb.

Excitement continues
The added ten minutes picked up where the original 40 left off. Stepanov conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box and the ball was played to Henrique, whose shot gave the goalkeeper no chance. At the other end Joan immediately responded, and Dinamo, behind on away goals, began to push desperately.

Decisive moments
With seconds left in the first period, Ivanov and Pelé helped feed Sirilo, who gave Dinamo their first aggregate lead of the tie. But with two minutes left Kelson, back after a first-leg injury, turned in Alex's cross to put Charleroi in command, and then with their goalkeeper withdrawn, Dinamo could not stop Eder shooting into an empty net moments later.