Belgians stifle stylish Spain

Belgium achieved a major upset in holding Spain to a draw at the UEFA European Futsal Championship but so nearly took all three points.

Great goalkeeping
Only the heroics of Marc Vandecaetsbeek in the Belgium goal prevented the Spanish winning comfortably in Aversa. The Belgian No1 was in inspirational form, repeatedly thwarting the Spanish only to be beaten by a late goal from Oscar Redondo.

Attacking instincts
Spain, who drew 3-3 with Portugal in their first Group B game, started as they meant to go on. Coach Javier Lozano showed his attacking instincts by giving Merino and Joan licence to roam deep in Belgian territory. Lozano's men poured forward in composed fashion and Kike and Merino should have capitalised on his side's pressure but saw shots hit the post. And, for all that pressure, it was Belgium who took a shock lead.

Chance to score
Yilas El Haoul surged forward across the halfway line. Spain backed off and there did not seem to be any danger. However, once El Haoul had passed Daniel, the chance was on. The Belgian No5 looked up and fired low to Sergio's right in the Spanish goal.

Spanish style
There was still more than 25 minutes of the match to go but from then on the match was all about Spanish style and the heroics of Vandecaetsbeek. Belgium kept their defensive game fresh by frequently changing their line while the Spanish swapped a player at a time, with Merino alone given more than half of the first 20 minutes.

Great save
It was a similar story after the break with Vandecaetsbeek making one of the saves of the match a minute after the restart. Daniel fired in a terrific drive but the Belgian shot-stopper tipped expertly over the bar. Cobeta and Merino then had more chances, with Belgium only going forward occasionally. However, on one such occasion, Mustafa Toukouri could have given them a second, only to miss his kick from in front of goal.

Captain calm
The Spanish forwards were starting to get impatient but Javi Sánchez, the veteran matchwinner from the 2001 final, played a vital role in urging his team-mates to keep their calm. The captain himself had some of the best moments, but again found Vandecaetsbeek in his way.

Winner wanted
With just over a minute and a half left on the clock, Oscar Redondo finally found a way through. The 29-year-old cut inside Kurt Gessner with a drop of the shoulder and then beat Vandecaetsbeek, although the shot took a deflection on the way. Spain did not care though and pushed for a winner. Joan was given another chance from the penalty spot but put it wide.

Still positive
Spain coach Lozano was anything but downbeat after the game, despite knowing his side will probably need to beat group winners Ukraine on Thursday to make sure of progression. "We have been unlucky today," he said. "I am satisfied because we had the chances to win." He added that he was still convinced his side would win the whole competition, claiming "we will have no more problems".

No choice
Belgium coach Damien Knabben was pleased with his side's display after the opening day 7-2 reverse at the hands of Ukraine. He said: "We nearly achieved a famous victory. Spain were pressing so much that we had no choice but to defend. The boys felt something was possible tonight."