Futsal contenders come together

By Greg Demetriou

The UEFA Futsal Cup is back for its second edition and already the signs are that the competition will match the excitement and drama of last year's inaugural event.

All change
Unlike last year, when the top eight clubs competed in a week-long final tournament in Lisbon, this year's edition is being staged on a mini-tournament basis. The first step to finding the 2003 winners saw 30 club sides from 29 nations - Spain had two entries with their national champions, Interviù Boomerang, joining holders Playas de Castellón -take part in eight first qualifying round mini-tournaments last October.

Two-legged final
Those eight winners then entered two second qualifying round mini-tournaments which are being played this week in Charleroi, Belgium and Prato, Italy. Group A in Charleroi started on Tuesday, with some momentous matches already, while the latter Group B competition begins on Friday night in Prato. The two winners from each group will go through to a two-legged final next month with the hope of emulating Castellon's achievement 12 months ago.

'Extremely happy'
UEFA Futsal Committee chairman Petr Fousek was left in no doubt that the quality shown last year has already proved the worth of the UEFA Futsal Cup. He said: "The most important fact is that UEFA has started this competition and that all the associations in Europe who recognise Futsal are extremely happy that there is something to compete for at international club level."

Worthy winners
Those that witnessed last year's UEFA Futsal Cup in Lisbon's Pavilhão Atlântico between 24 February and 3 March can testify to the improving standard in international Futsal. Castellón become the first team to lift the trophy by winning the final 5-1 against Action 21 Charleroi of Belgium last year. They were worthy winners after going unbeaten throughout their qualifying group and seeing off Sporting Clube de Portugal 4-0 in the semi-final, despite the enthusiastic home support in Lisbon.

Professional players
There was a clear divide between teams like Castellón and Charleroi last year and the entrants from Poland and Hungary, but their superiority was a reflection of their own professionalism and array of internationals, notably from Brazil - a country with a fantastic Futsal pedigree - rather than the shortcomings of others. However, the recent UEFA European Futsal Championship in Italy emphasised that the gap is narrowing between the traditionally strong nations and the fledgling countries.

Always hope
In the wake of last year's final defeat, Charleroi coach Ricardo Menezes da Silva captured exactly why the sport is growing so quickly. "Futsal is great, you can change the game in one second," he said. "Anything is possible."The same can be said to all those who seek UEFA Futsal Cup success in years to come.