Spain shoot-out win ends home dreams

Holders Spain set up a UEFA European Futsal Championship final against Italy after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory against hosts Portugal in a passionate Iberian derby.

Comeback
Gonçalo and Ricardinho struck superb goals in the final ten minutes to put Portugal seemingly in control but Daniel and Andreu showed their experience with cool finishes and Spain did not miss a kick in the shoot-out while two home efforts failed to find the target. Portugal had never reached the last four before but now meet Russia for bronze on Sunday.

Tight
Kike came close early for Spain with a powerful long shot saved by João Benedito but to the delight of the packed crowd Portugal were soon matching the holders attack for attack. Spain goalkeeper Luis Amado dived at the feet of Arnaldo to smother the ball before the Portugal player then shot wide. Marcelo only just missed the target while Arnaldo again forced Amado into action as play switched ends swiftly.

Crossbar struck
Gonçalo got to the Spain byline but his shot from a tight angle hit the outside of the post with Amado covering, while Marcelo again threatened the Portugal goal but his strike zipped wide. Joel Queirós beat Amado but the ball bounced away off the crossbar, but Spain continued to have their share of pressure and both teams played with visible passion to the delight of the supporters keeping up a barrage of noise.

Diving stop
It was a similar story after the break, a real contrast to the more tactical semi-final between Italy and Russia that preceded this match. Andreu seemed set to open the scoring after an Ortiz cross but two point-blank efforts were blocked by the Portugal defence. Amado remained staunch in the Spain goal, denying Zé Maria. After a swift break, Javi Eseverri put the ball just past the post and at the halfway point of the second period forced a wonderful diving stop from João Benedito.

Portugal delight
With nine minutes left Javi Rodríguez cut back a free-kick to Marcelo but João Benedito saved and the rebound fell to Leitão. His through ball set away Gonçalo to advance swiftly and his sublime chip gave Amado no chance. Spain now pushed desperately, Álvaro shooting over twice, though Gonçalo also went near following a free-kick.

Dramatic end
Then Portugal's 22-year-old starlet showed why he is touted as one of the world's best with an incredible bicycle kick after Pedro Costa's cross. However Daniel pulled one back and with exactly two minutes left Andreu reponded to a shot being blocked by Zé Maria by hooking the ball in. The game went straight to penalties, and Amado saved Portugal's second spot-kick by Joel Queirós before Leitão hit the post with his final effort as Spain prevailed just as in the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Cup semi-final shoot-out against Brazil. Their victims in the subsequent final? Italy.