Russia wary of determined Serbia

Both Russia and Serbia know that UEFA European Futsal Championship Group B represents a difficult route to the semi-finals – meaning there is no room for error in their opening match on Saturday.

Difficult rivals
Oleg Ivanov's team were runners-up two years ago behind Spain, who open this group against former finalists Ukraine. And it is the identity of Russia's next two opponents which makes their quest for a good result against Serbia such an important one. Ivanov said: "We have world and European champions Spain, who need no introduction. They are a very strong team. Ukraine have won student world championships, they're former European runners-up, and now they have a new generation in the national team. They are motivated opponents who are looking to win."

Serbian determination
Yet that does not mean Ivanov underestimates their first rivals, despite having beaten Serbia and Montenegro 5-2 in 2005 qualifying, in the sides' only previous competitive meeting. "We know what kind of team they are – they are strong, powerful and don't like losing," he said. "The first match determines the mood and the course of the tournament. We are preparing seriously and we hope for success."

Club success
The coach has picked five players from UEFA Futsal Cup holders MFK Dinamo Moskva, including Brazilian-born duo Cirilo and Pelé Junior, plus four from fellow European club contenders MFK VIZ-Sinara Ekaterinburg in his 14-man squad. "International experience makes a team stronger," Ivanov said. "Dinamo are European champions at club level and the experience of their players will be invaluable. This year, VIZ-Sinara also did well in UEFA Cup qualifying. I think their young players who did well in those games will be useful to us."

Realism
Serbia coach Aca Kovačević has led his country to their first finals since Yugoslavia's 1999 participation, but is realistic about their hopes in Porto. "Just qualifying is a big success," he said. "With the exception of Italy, we have the best three teams in Europe in our group. Reaching the semi-finals would be a huge achievement for us, but of more importance is for futsal in Serbia to grow and to develop thanks to this tournament."

Opener
Not that Kovačević is ready to concede ground to the nation Yugoslavia emerged victorious over eight years ago in Spain. "Every goal and every game will be important for us, but the first game will set the pace for the whole competition," he said. "Let's see if we can beat Russia."