Kovačević seeks Serbia breakthrough

Serbia made their UEFA European Futsal Championship breakthrough in 2007, qualifying for the first time as a separate nation. They beat Ukraine and drew with eventual winners Spain in the group stage. Aca Kovačević's appointment as coach was the catalyst for that success, and having led them to this month's finals in Hungary – where they meet Russia and Slovenia in Group C – he is confident they can do even better.

uefa.com: What do you think of your group?

Aca Kovačević: We know Russia very well because we played against them in the last European Championship [losing 5-3], and in qualifying for the World Cup [losing 3-2]. We know their quality, and also the Slovenian players because so many of our guys play against them in club competition.

uefa.com: Russia have had a bit more success than the other teams in the group – what are their strengths?

Kovačević: Their players play tough games in the domestic league and tough games in the UEFA Futsal Cup. Serbia and Slovenia are little countries, without big players like Russia. But the Serbian and Slovenian teams – especially us – have an inspiration in their games, and maybe that will give us a chance.

uefa.com: Were you surprised that Slovenia qualified?

Kovačević: No, I'm not surprised about the Slovenian team, because they work very hard. The Slovenian Futsal Association are very well organised and because of that they are in the European Championship.

uefa.com: Do you think the way you qualified will inspire players, because it was so close and exciting...?

Kovačević: Our players have a lot of experience behind them, with the last European Championship and from hard games in European club competition. Maybe this European Championship will be the chance to make our big breakthrough.

uefa.com: Have Serbia improved since 2007?

Kovačević: Yes, I think we have a better team than two years ago, because we have found some good young players with experience from tournaments in Brazil and other friendlies in Europe. We will be harder opponents than in the last European Championship.

uefa.com: Is it good that the tournament is now 12 teams instead of eight?

Kovačević: It will be more interesting than the last European Championship. It's good for the players, too, because they have more rest. In the last European Championship you had to play more games to go through the group, so it will be very interesting. It's good for the future of futsal.

uefa.com: How far can Serbia go in this tournament...?

Kovačević: With a little luck, maybe we can reach the semi-finals.