Sporting too strong for Gracanica

Sporting Clube de Portugal recovered from the shock of going a goal behind in the first minute to triumph 3-1 over MNK Kaskada Gracanica.

Shock lead
The UEFA Futsal Cup hosts were stunned after 34 seconds when Muamer Orucevic prodded home from close range after a well-worked move by the team from Bosnia-Herzegovina. Yet despite spurning a number of chances in the first half, particularly Bibi, Sporting refused to give up. They had to work hard for their openings because of Gracanica's deep defending but eventually found the breakthrough. Bibi smashed home a shot from the right-hand side and followed it up with a similar second less than a minute later.

Confident finish
Gonçalo Alves wrapped up the win with a confident finish on a breakaway as the Bosnia-Herzegovina side tried to pull a goal back. Gracanica were a threat throughout but could find no way through after their quick start.

Disturbing start
Sporting coach Paulo Fernandes acknowledged his side were tense going into the game in front of a lively home crowd at Lisbon's Pavilhão Atlântico. "We were nervous before the match because of the importance of the competition," he said. "Then conceding a goal in the first play was disturbing."