All to play for in Spain

Holders Playas de Castellón were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Action 21 Charleroi after a keenly fought UEFA Futsal Cup final first-leg match in Belgium tonight.

Resolute defending
Spanish contenders Castellón beat Charleroi 5-1 in last year's inaugural final, played as a one-off match, but were frustrated by some resolute defending by the Belgian hosts. The teams will now do battle in the second leg in Spain on Saturday 3 May for the right to be crowned Futsal club champions of Europe.

Fine form
Both goalkeepers were in fine form at La Garenne and were largely responsible for the goalless first half. However, Castellón were able to finally take the lead in the 26th minute, through a spectacular finish from Vander Carioca. Charleroi got their reward for their pressure seven minutes later through Mohammed Boukamir.

Quick start
The match had started at a lightening pace with Andre and Lúcio both going close for the home side, who received terrific support from the 2,000-strong crowd. Despite the goalkeeping being of the highest standard, it seemed inevitable that the deadlock would be broken.

Experience key
In the seventh minute, veteran striker Javi Sánchez entered the fray for the first time and the Castellón man was to prove pivotal in his side’s performance. With Isco and Josema expending lots of energy, his experience was essential for the home team. Yet it was Charleroi who came the closest to scoring, with Leo lashing the ball against a post in the 25th minute after Castellón were caught in possession.

Great goal
Vander Carioca was a forceful presence too for the Spanish team but found Charleroi captain Mohamed Boukamir in strong form on a number of occasions. However, there was no stopping him for the opening goal. The Brazilian sent a volley rocketing past Luca Cragnaz after a sublime lofted pass from Javi Sánchez, who was seemingly boxed in on the left wing.

Nearly two
The next couple of minutes were to prove vital as Javi Sánchez looked certain to add to his side’s tally. Seconds after the restart he found himself in front of goal, only to shoot wide. Then he unleashed a volley of his own only for that to miss the target as well.

Charleroi reward
Yet it was the Belgian team who scored next. After some good pressure, and forcing Castellón into giving away their fifth foul, the ball fell at the feet of Boukamir. The Belgian international shifted the ball inside from the right wing and then shot beyond the despairing Toni to level matters.

Fast and furious
The closing stages were to mirror the fast and furious play of the opening period. It was evident that both teams, who have been in regular domestic action of late, were tiring and that served to create more openings for the forwards. Vander Carioca and Andre was the most likeliest of those on view to find the net in but it was to no avail.

Stronger rivals
After the game Castellón coach Faustino Pérez-Moreno Gomez paid tribute to the Belgian team, who he felt had shown much improvement on their showing in the 2002 final. He said: "This season Charleroi are a lot stronger, their players performed much better and were more experienced." He added that he was not surprised, given their performances during qualifying.

Difficult task
His opposite number, Charleroi coach Ricardo Menezes da Silva praised both teams but added that, despite the level scoreline, he believed the Spaniards have the advantage. "They will be at home in the next match, and things will be more in their favour," he said. "The chances are now 60 to 40 for them."