Shakhtar make sure in style

FC Shakhtar Donetsk showed their strength to cruise beyond the first qualifying round of the 2005/06 UEFA Futsal Cup.

Progress expected
The Ukrainian champions were always the favourites at the Sports Hall Dom Sportova in Zagreb for the Group 8 mini-tournament hosted by Croatian title-holders Orkan VK Zagreb. The teams met in a final-day decider tonight after their first two games, although Shakhtar with two wins from two were always the favourites.

Point enough
Shakhtar started with a 5-2 victory against Slovakian entrants Slov-Matic Fofo Bratislava while Zagreb were 8-2 winners against Ilves FS Tampere of Finland. Shakhtar then beat Ilves Tampere 11-0 while Zagreb were frustrated by a 2-2 draw against Bratislava. It meant a point would be enough for the Ukrainian side in their last match.

Tight contest
As it was, Shakhtar made it nine points from nine by edging a tight contest against their hosts. It was 2-1 at half-time but with Zagreb hopeful of achieving an equaliser, Shakhtar were able to add a third for a decisive 3-1 victory. They will now join European champions Action 21 Charleroi and MFK Dinamo Moskva in Group B of the second qualifying round. The top two teams from that section will progress to the semi-finals.