Romania rampant on finals debut

First-time UEFA European Futsal Championship finalists Romania made a dream debut with a thrilling win against the Czech Republic in Group A.

Romania prevail
Twice the Czech Republic cancelled out Romanian leads in the first half, and the debutants also saw a 4-2 advantage disappear. But Loband Szöcs and Robert Lupu then struck before Florin Matei found the target twice late on to complete a hat-trick.

Response
The Czech Republic dominated the first ten minutes as Zdeněk Sláma and Vít Blažej threatened before Roman Mareš forced a save from László Klein. But Romania responded to deadly effect as although Florin Matei was denied by Libor Gerčák, seconds later he beat the goalkeeper.

Equalisers
That did not knock the Czech Republic off their stride and Tomáš Sluka hit the post. The equaliser arrived in unfortunate fashion for Romania as Gabriel Dobre turned in a Roman Mareš shot. Within two minutes, though, Cosmin Gherman had restored the Romanian lead after being set up by Lupu. It took only 40 seconds for the Czech Republic to equalise again, Martín Dlouhý's clever free-kick cut back to Sluka, who shot in through a sea of bodies.

Quick goals
Romania set about the second half in positive fashion, Lupu and Gherman combining superbly to set up Gabriel Molomfalean, who made Gerčák save. But Lupu then scored when he ran on to Molomfalean's long pass and slipped the ball past Gerčák. It was 4-2 within 60 seconds, Matei's cross from the left turned in at the near post by Molomfalean. Lukáš Rešetár reduced Czech arrears following a neat move involving both Mareš brothers and Sluka. And with ten minutes left they were level again, Roman Mareš tricking his way into the Romanian box and laying off for sibling Michal to strike.

Decisive strikes
Dlouhý shot over as he got behind the Romania defence, but yet again Romania went ahead, this time to decisive effect. Klein's clearance found Marian Şotîrcă, and his ball to the far post was poked in by Szöcs. Matei then shrugged off a challenge and dummied a shot before laying off to the grateful Lupu to claim his second goal. With Gerčák now helping the Czech attack, Matei stroked into the unguarded net with little over three minutes left and he completed his hat-trick with a last-gasp penalty. Thanks to the opening draw between hosts Portugal and Italy, Romania sit atop Group A.