Boomerang back to their best

By Andy Hall

Spanish champions Boomerang Interviú FS made up for the loss of the UEFA Futsal Cup last month with victory in the Intercontinental Futsal Cup in Puertollano, while SL Benfica finished fourth.

European loss
Having been pipped to this month's European final by a last-gasp Action 21 Charleroi goal in Belgium, Boomerang were aiming for better in a tournament revived by the Spanish professional league in 2004 after a three-year hiatus against the cream of the world's Futsal clubs, including the team they beat to win the 2003/04 UEFA Futsal Cup, Benfica.

Duo prevail
The two European clubs were drawn with Japan's Fire Fox in Group A, and on the opening day Boomerang set out their stall by defeating the Asian team 7-0, Gabriel the only player on target twice. Benfica then moved to the top of the group, as they beat Fire Fox 11-0 with André Lima matching his achievement in the second leg of the final against Boomerang and claiming a hat-trick.

Benfica ousted
Boomerang now needed to win against Benfica to prevent the Portuguese side pipping them to the final. And unlike last year's tight two-legged encounter, Boomerang overwhelmed their opposition, prevailing 8-1. Luis claimed a hat-trick and Joan weighed in with two goals.

Malwee await
Awaiting Boomerang in the final were Brazilian side Malwee Jaraguà, who had pipped compatriots and holders Carlos Barbosa on goal difference after both had beaten American team Pittsburgh FC 15-0 and 11-1 respectively and played out a 1-1 draw.

Barbosa consolation
In the third-place play-off, Benfica slipped 4-0 to Barbosa, victors against Playas de Castellón FS in the 2004 final. But Boomerang were not about to stumble against Brazilian opposition, and dominated the decider from the start.

Marquinho strikes
Marquinho made it 1-0 on two minutes, and although Xande equalised Daniel restored the last midway through the first half. With five minutes left Marquinho seemed to have put the result beyond doubt, but three minutes later Marcio reduced the deficit.

Trophy secure
However, Boomerang held their nerve and Marquinho - later voted player of the tournament - completed his hat-trick with a deflected goal before Daniel wrapped up a perfect evening for the 'Máquina Verde'.

'Tough match'
Boomerang coach Jesús Candelas said: "This was a tough match for us, against rivals that were up for a battle and who exerted themselves throughout. I was also surprised by Malwee's tactical approach to the game and they were a real threat during the second half. But I felt that we also had an excellent tournament - this trophy is dedicated to everyone who works alongside us each and every day."

Two-legged final
The new home of Boomerang's European trophy will be known at the end of the month, when Charleroi play MFC Dinamo Moskva over two legs - the first game in Belgium on 23 April and the return in Russia a week later.