Czechs aim to break Spain stranglehold

Spain's record against the Czech Republic is typically formidable – played ten, won ten – and Tomáš Neumann's side will have a hard task putting that right in tonight's UEFA European Futsal Championship semi-final in Debrecen.

Contrasting runs
Reigning champions Spain stormed through the group stage with 15 goals in their two wins and although they only beat Russia on penalties in the last eight, they had the better of the scoreless 40 minutes. In contrast the Czech Republic lost their opener 6-1 to Azerbaijan and had to come back from four behind to pip hosts Hungary 6-5. However, in the quarter-finals they pulled off an upset by ousting Italy on spot-kicks after a 3-3 draw to make this stage for the first time since 2003.

Czech surprise
"The Czech Republic making the semi-finals was a great surprise," Spain coach José Venancio López told uefa.com. "They play without the ball a lot and they defend very well. They have reached the semi-finals thanks to a competitive mentality and their winning character, which they showed first against Hungary when they were 4-0 down and then against Italy when they were 2-1 down at half-time. On both occasions they were able to turn it around. They managed to stay focused and they never stopped looking for victory, especially when they have made use of the flying goalkeeper with two and a half minutes left to play against Italy."

'Winning mentality'
However, Venancio López's side are going for a third straight title and have so far shown little sign of faltering. "We are going to try to maintain the winning mentality we have shown so far," the coach said. "It is true my team are mentally very strong. We know we have to keep very focused for the semi-final. We will prepare in the best possible way."

Spain strength
These teams have never met in the European Championship but Spain have won 4-1 and 4-0 in the last two FIFA Futsal World Cups, and the Czech Republic are not helped by the absence of the suspended Marek Kopecký. Coach Tomáš Neumann said: "In my view Spain are even better than Italy. So it will be really hard. They are the best team in Europe, maybe in the world, so it will not be easy but we will do our best."

Support
However, they could be helped at the Fönix Arena by a turnout of fans from home. "We have already heard some people saying they will come," Neumann said. "There has been a lot of reaction back in the Czech Republic, and that is the main reason our fans are coming. And Czech television is buying the rights to show the match live."