Early efforts earn Boomerang win

By Paul Saffer at the Pabellón Parque Corredor

Interviú Boomerang FS picked up a healthy lead from the first leg of the UEFA Futsal Cup final but a late SL Benfica goal gave the visitors hope for the return match in seven days' time.

Superb goalkeeping
The goalkeeping of Luis Amado proved the difference for the Spanish champions, who are favourites to keep up their nation's monopoly of this title following Playas de Castellón FS triumphs in 2002 and 2003, but Arnaldo scored in the final 60 seconds to deservedly reduce arrears.

Noisy crowd
Both sides began the final with full-strength lineups, with Boomerang supported by a noisy, young crowd but Benfica weighing in with a travelling support that never stopped singing. However, the visitors had to withstand an opening barrage, and with four minutes of playing time gone were 3-0 down.

Boomerang ahead
Marquinho had already gone close 40 seconds in when he put his side ahead in the second minute. His run down the left was thrilling and his shot from a tight angle flew in with deadly accuracy.

Lead doubles
Almost immediately it was two. The Boomerang fans were still celebrating the first goal when Brazilian playmaker Schumacher broke from the middle with a fine run, and produced a strong shot deflected in by team-mate Daniel.

Daniel scores again
Zé Carlos in the Benfica goal was beaten there but soon after he made a vital stop and Orol shot over from the rebound. But just after, Boomerang custodian Luis Amado proved his formidable reputation with a save of his own, Daniel broke and shot past Zé Carlos to extend the lead to the three goals the home team had hinted had been their target to take to Lisbon next week.

Luis Amado in form
Benfica, though, rallied after this triple setback. However, Luis Amado was in no mood to be beaten, producing a string of saves.
Lukaian and Ricardinho were among the players denied, as they led the attack with verve and no little skill. Boomerang were defending as a team, though, and the presence of Schumacher meant they were always dangerous on the counterattack and preserved their 3-0 lead to the break.

Skill shines through
The pattern of Benfica initiative continued in the early part of the second half, the skill of the Portuguese forwards especially Ricardinho, coming to the fore. Inevitably, it took just a minute for Luis Amado to produce another fine piece of goalkeeping to frustrate Pedro Costa 'Costinha'.

Crossbar hit
Six minutes into the half came a moment that had the home fans' hearts in their mouths, as Luis Amado could only parry in the area and Ricardinho seemed certain to tap in only for the ball to rebound off the crossbar.

Joan denied
Zé Carlos then showed that Luis Amado did not have the monopoly on goalkeeping skill in the game, after Joan's shot seemed to have deflected out of his reach only for the goalkeeper to somehow tip the ball wide. Three minutes later he dived at Schumacher's feet to again prevent a fourth goal.

Pivotal moment
Boomerang were now looking strong, and Zé Carlos was again alert to deny Julio. They then finally increased their lead, after what may prove the pivotal moment of the tie.

Fourth goal
Ricardinho again received the ball less than a metre from the home goal, but from a tight angle he could only strike the post. Luis Amado cleared quickly, and the ball broke to Andreu who made no mistake. Arnaldo, though, finally broke through at the end to add intrigue to the return.