Golden Boot leaders face wait
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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Azerbaijan's Biro Jade joined Saad Assis of Italy at the head of the race for the adidas Golden Boot award for the top scorer of the finals but both face a nervous wait on Saturday to see if they will share the prize.
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Azerbaijan's Biro Jade joined Saad Assis of Italy at the head of the race for the adidas Golden Boot award, the official award for the top scorer of the UEFA European Futsal Championship in Hungary, but both face a nervous wait to see if they will share the prize.
Joint lead
Biro Jade was on target in his side's semi-final against Portugal to equal the five-goal tally reached by Saad Assis, whose side fell in the last eight. However, not only did Azerbaijan lose on penalties, but Biro Jade was booked and will miss the third-place play-off against the Czech Republic through suspension.
Chasing pack
Three players who will line up in Saturday's final are just one goal off the lead; Cardinal struck against Azerbaijan to move level with team-mate Joel Queirós while Spain captain Javi Rodríguez found the target also take his total up to four. Spain trio Juanra, Ortiz and Jordi Torras, Portugal captain Arnaldo and Azerbaijan's Thiago are among those on three. Italy's Gabriel Baptistella, on four for the finals, is the top scorer for the tournament including qualifying, one ahead of Thiago and Joel.
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*Team eliminated from tournament
**Suspended for third-place play-off