Free-scoring Ukraine do it again

Ukraine 5-1 Czech Republic

Heads down 
It was an impressive evening's work in Caserta for Gennady Lysenchuk's men who had earlier seen the Italians eliminate Spain. After a disjointed first half that suggested both sides were suffering from the thought of what was at stake, Ukraine put their heads down in the second period and clinched their second UEFA European Futsal Championship final appearance in a row.

Proud coach
Lysenchuk said: "I am proud of the whole team and the whole team worked for each other.” He added: We know it will be a very hard game against Italy, the Italian team is very good. They will have a 6,000 crowd supporting them so it will be very difficult."

Quick double 
Igor Moskvychov took the game away from the talented Czechs with two goals in four minutes early in the second half. Both came when the influential Serhiy Koridze was off the pitch, a reminder that the Ukrainians are far more than just a one-man team.

Czech counterattack 
The Czechs could have scored in the first minute of the match. Martin Dlouhý had two good opportunities, the second of which was a rasping drive that cannoned against the crossbar. The Czechs have shown in the competition that they possess a winning combination of creativity and physical strength. Both traits were then seen when Vit Blazej hit the left-hand post after a sweeping Czech counterattack.

Still a threat 
But it was Ukraine who broke the deadlock when captain Olexandr Kosenko scored in the sixth minute with his fifth goal of the tournament after Moskvychov's shot was saved by Jan Klíma. Lysenchuk was happy to rotate his players quite frequently, with Koridze getting plenty of match time interspersed by a minute or two on the sidelines. He was always a threat, forcing Klíma into a tremendous one-handed save midway through the half.

Blazej goal 
Dlouhý remained the Czechs best outlet, and went close again when given a clear run after Kosenko lost the ball in midfield. As the Czech No7 bore down on goal, Vladyslav Kornyeyev raced out to the edge of his area to clear. Michal Stríz's men were growing in confidence and finally found the net in the 15th minute. Blazej took the glory by following up a parried shot by Roman Musial.

Last word 
The Czechs were naturally buoyed by the goal but Dlouhý was to be denied once more two minutes later. Roman Mareš cleverly set him free, but the resulting shot was well saved. It was to be the last word from Stríz's team.

Noisy support 
In the 23rd minute, Moskvychov left Daniel Rajnoch and Tomáš Sluka in his wake after cutting in from the left-hand side. As Klíma rushed out, Moskvychov lifted the ball neatly into the net. A small but noisy band of fans tried to lift the Czechs, but were silenced when Moskvychov volleyed in his second in the 26th from Kosenko's lofted pass.

Tracking back 
The Czechs were attacking only sporadically now and it seemed a question of how many for Ukraine. Koridze seemed to be having an off night in front of goal but showed his commitment to the team by tracking back to dispossess Roman Marš in the 35th minute. It led to a swift counter, which Fedir Pylypiv finished off.

Goal at last 
Koridze, who spent large portions of the match lingering on the edge of the opposition penalty area, finally got his goal in the 38th minute. Another great ball from Kosenko teed the orange-shoed forward up and he slammed the ball home. The few Italians left in the crowd after the early match will have taken notice.

Good experience
Stríz said: "This has been a good experience for my players. Ukraine confirmed that they are one of the best teams in Europe. In the final on Monday, they have a good chance to win."