Ukrainians seek third time lucky

All change
However, coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk's men have not had the most straightforward of preparations with the absence of a number of established men this time around. In particular, five key FC Shakhtar Donetsk players - Vladislav Korneev, Georgi Melnikov, Olexander Kosenko, Igor Moskvichev and Ramis Mansurov - are no longer with the national team.

Final failure
Changes came about after the FIFA Futsal World Championship at the end of last year, having qualified with a 7-2 aggregate play-off victory against Belarus. At the finals, Ukraine lost 2-0 to Spain in their first match but victories against Chinese Taipei and Egypt saw them progress. However, Ukraine were then crushed 6-0 by Brazil. They then, as expected, beat the United States 3-1 but a 0-0 draw against Argentina in their last match was not enough to take them through to the last four.

Positive perspective
The disappointment was a far cry from the positive perspective gained the previous September when they drew 3-3 with Brazil in a four nation tournament. After Chinese Taipei, Lysenchuk's assistant Oleg Solodovnikov, a Shakhtar coach, left the national team and urged that Shakhtar players over 30 were no longer used.

Student success
In response, Lysenchuk said: "I am not in favour of dragging anyone into the national side against their will. Only those willing to play should play." With Ukraine winning the World University Futsal Championship in October 2004, the coach had plenty of reason to believe there was more talent coming through the ranks.

Suitable blend
However, as always, it is a blend of experience with youth that is vital. In 29-year-old Serhiy Koridze, Ukraine have one of the most tried and tested finishers around - as his top-scoring seven goals in the 1999 and 2001 finals testify. He is complemented by the likes of 24-year-old goalkeeper Olexiy Popov and 22-year-old forward Serhiy Sytin.

Full support
Lysenchuk has certainly been given backing at home to succeed in the Czech Republic, with the domestic championship taking a break to allow the national team to prepare properly. At the end of January, Ukraine travelled to play friendlies against top club sides in Russia.

Busy schedule
The warm-up programme has also included a training camp and friendly match in the western city of Lvov, along with a specially-arranged game in Poland. All eyes have been firmly focused on the schedule in the Czech Republic, with Ukraine arguably the favourites when they meet, in turn, the host nation, the Netherlands and Russia in Group A.

Focus required
Lysenchuk said: "Each one of our opponents is intending to progress. The Czechs will not want to lose in front of their fans. The Dutch are not doing well recently, but they prepare well and might be a serious contender. As for the Russians, who I consider our main opponent, they are determined to be in the final. This is not an easy group and we will need maximum concentration."

How they qualified
Ukraine qualified for Ostrava with requisite ease from qualifying Group 2 in early 2004. They made a solid start with a 6-2 victory against mini-tournament hosts Slovakia in Trnava - Sytin and Moskvychov each scoring twice. Koridze was Ukraine's hat-trick scorer the next day as they overcame Romania 8-2; Fedir Pylypiv also was on target twice as the leaders won both halves 4-1. Needing just a draw in their final match against Belarus, Ukraine won 4-1, with Koridze again on target.

Futsal founded: 1993
World ranking: 5
Best international performance: UEFA European Futsal Championship runners-up 2001, 2003