Hosts hopeful of ending holders reign

SL Benfica coach André Lima was in confident mood ahead of Sunday's UEFA Futsal Cup final with Interviú Madrid, insisting his side were "afraid of nobody" as the hosts sought to deprive the holders of a fourth title.

An impressive 8-4 semi-final win against Luparense C/5 on Friday night allowed O Glorioso to set up a decider with Interviú in what will be a repeat of the 2004 showpiece which the latter won over two legs for the first of their record three successes.

After going down by 4-1 in Spain, Benfica's 4-3 second leg win in the Portuguese capital was not enough to prevent the Green Machine from leaving Lisbon with the trophy, the memory of which still pains former player Lima, who preferred to focus on the improvements made since then.

"Tactically, technically and psychologically we are better than in 2004,"
the coach told UEFA.com. "The team was obviously younger back then but a lot of the players are still with us today. The group we have here has a lot of self-belief and that's what makes us hard to beat and you'll see that in the final."

Having impressed many on their way to the finals – and in particular during a high-paced game against Luparense in the last four – Benfica are in fine spirits going into Sunday's encounter at the Pavilhão Atlántico. With the home support expected to provide a passionate support, Lima hopes his team will deliver on the night.

"From the beginning of the elite round stage we have grown a lot," he said. "Reaching the final we have our reward and what comes from now on will be like a profit, but we believe now is the time to win a major title."

Undeterred by the fact his team will not only have to deal with a team in form but also a vociferous local support, Interviú coach Jesús Candelas was relishing an opportunity to highlight the merits of the sport he loves. "We're hoping for a full arena for the final so we can demonstrate just how attractive this sport is," said Candelas, in charge in 2004 in the first of his spells at the helm.

"The important thing will be to make sure we keep possession in their half and get towards their goal which is where they have some problems," he said. "Benfica are an exceptionally quick team and if they steal the ball from you in their half they can really hurt you. In a final like this you must be able to maintain control and manage the situation when things aren't going your way; that will be crucial."