Feller wary of underdogs' bite
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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Italy captain Alexandre Feller knows his side are favourites to beat Belgium but will show "maximum respect" while opposing skipper Karim Bachar says having nothing to lose makes them dangerous.
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Italy captain Alexandre Feller and Belgium skipper Karim Bachar will come together to shake hands before their sides' opening UEFA European Futsal Championship fixture in Debrecen on Tuesday, but their experiences of this tournament are certainly contrasting.
Belgium return
Goalkeeper Feller, 38, helped Italy to the semi-finals in his 2005 bow and finished runners-up two years later – his side are contenders to go one better in Hungary. The 34-year-old Bachar has also appeared in two final tournaments, in 1999 and 2003, but both ended with Belgium securing just a single point. They have taken three attempts to seal a return. "We are very glad to be here as it's no longer simple to qualify for a championship like this," Bachar said. "Now we are here and we'll see what we can do. We are going to try our best."
Respect
On paper the Azzurri are clear favourites to win the Group B curtain-raiser, but Feller is cautious. "The game against Belgium is difficult, like any opening fixture in the European Championship. It's the most important in setting the tone of your tournament," the Marca Futsal goalkeeper said. "Belgium did very well in qualifying; we have the maximum respect for them but we'll try to do well like in the other European Championships."
'Nothing to lose'
Indeed, Italy have never lost a group game. By contrast, Belgium are yet to taste victory but their squad are in boisterous spirit, and Futsal Topsport Antwerpen player Bachar added: "Our strongest quality is that we have nothing to lose. Each minute we can play here, everyone will give 100%. Italy are favourites the group along with Ukraine, so we have nothing to lose and that's the hardest thing for them. But everyone knows Italy have a great team with a lot of very experienced players. They have new players but they will be motivated to do better than the players that have gone."
Hard work
That process of renewal was confirmed by Feller. "We are evolving. The coach is trying to bring in young players with great abilities and we, the more experienced players, are trying to help him. We have a strong, compact and united group: I'm sure Italy's strength in this European Championship will be team spirit. We will be a hard-working team."
