Hosts hold out in opening stalemate

The UEFA European Futsal Championship began with its first goalless draw in eight years as hosts Portugal and Italy cancelled each other out in Group A.

Italy frustrated
Portugal were involved in the last 0-0 result in this competition, drawing with Belgium in the opening game of the 1999 finals. Today they found life tough against 2003 winners Italy but the Azzurri were unable to convert their chances to create a repeat of their 8-3 defeat of Portugal in Ostrava two years ago.

Azzurri on top
Italy may have been without key men Sandro Zanetti and Vinicus Bacaro through injury but they had the better of the opening exchanges. Portugal's Pedro Costa did force an early save from Alexander Feller but after that Carlos Morgado shot just over after being set up by Edgar Bertoni, who was then denied by João Benedito.

Feller save
Leitão went on a mazy run as the hosts responded but slipped as he looked to poke the ball past Feller, and the goalkeeper then tipped an Arnaldo effort away. Suddenly the Azzurri were on the back foot but still posed a threat as Saad Assis forced Benedito into another save. The first half was petering out as a stalemate when suddenly Portugal came mightily close, Marcelinho and Leitão combining to set up Gonçalo, whose shot seemed to be creeping in but was clawed back by Feller.

Portugal hold out
Adriano Foglia turned a free-kick from 2005 finals top scorer Nando Grana into the side-netting early in the second half and another set-piece found its way to Assad Fabiano, his effort tipped over by Benedito. The keeper also denied Assis as Italy began to dominate possession to the obvious frustration of the hosts, whose attack was missing the injured Joel Queirós. Portugal did have a late chance after an indirect free-kick on the edge of the box but the hard-working Ricardinho's shot was blocked by Marcio Forte.