Futsal finals get going in Hungary

It has the same name, but the sixth edition of the UEFA European Futsal Championship will have a different complexion when it kicks off today in Hungary having been expanded to 12 teams two cities.

Expanded finals
Since the inaugural 1999 championship eight sides have played in the final tournament, but an extra four nations have gained entry this time, split into four groups of three. To accommodate the expanded competition, matches will be split between Budapest and Debrecen, rather than being played in one city as in the past.

Hungary opener
Hosts Hungary kick off the tournament at 17.30CET against finals debutants Azerbaijan at the Papp László Arena in Budapest, following an opening ceremony featuring concert pianist Adam György and Séan, the reigning Football Freestyle World Champion. Also in Group A are the Czech Republic, while Group C will also be played in the capital, with 1999 champions Russia facing Slovenia on Wednesday then both meeting Serbia.

Spain defence
The Főnix Arena in Debrecen is the other venue and the first game at 19.00CET features former champions and 2007 runners-up Italy playing Belgium in Group B, with two-time finalists Ukraine also involved. Then on Wednesday Spain launch the defence of their title against newcomers Belarus in Group D, which also features 2007 semi-finalists Portugal. The top two teams in each section go through to the quarter-finals, held in both venues next Monday and Tuesday. Debrecen will host the semi-finals on 28 January, as well as the final and third-place play-off two days later. Eurosport has extensive coverage of the tournament.