Charleroi in cruise control

Action 21 Charleroi stated their intent for the UEFA Futsal Cup with a rousing second qualifying round victory against MNK Split in Lisbon tonight.

Strong form
The Belgian champions have twice reached the final of this prestigious competition for Europe's élite club sides and on both occasions have fallen at the last hurdle. However, in this opening fixture of the four-team Group B mini-tournament, Charleroi proved they have every chance of topping the section and making it to the final for a third time in a row.

Brazilian blend
Charleroi have a strong Brazilian contingent, with Luca Cragnaz in goal the only homegrown player in the starting five. With the likes of Andre, Leo, Lúcio Rosa and Leonardo pulling the strings, Charleroi were always in control. Leo put them in front after just four minutes from Leandro's assist and there was no going back.

Cruising at interval
By half-time, the score was 3-0. The second goal of the night had come in the 15th minute when Andre converted from close range before Leonardo added another three minutes later with a strong drive.

Jarni piledrivers
Croatian hopefuls Split battled hard, especially through internationals Alen Delpont and former Real Madrid CF star Robert Jarni, who unleashed a few of his trademark long-distance shots, but Cragnaz was always equal to such efforts. The Croatian side had their best chance of the match in the 23rd minute but Frane Despotovic's long-range shot was pushed away by Cragnaz.

Hat-trick complete
Charleroi made it four in the 25th minute when Lúcio converted from a tight angle. Delpont nearly scored a consolation eight minutes later but within seconds Andre had scored his second of the night. He then finished the scoring three minutes later to complete an excellent hat-trick.