Roubaix rallied for French futsal high

First progress
This is the fourth season France have been represented in the competition – and Roubaix's third appearance – but in the past their campaigns have always stalled at the first stage. However, in this year's Preliminary round on home territory, Roubaix secured seven points from three games to pip Parnassos Nicosia on goal difference and earn a Main round campaign, starting on Thursday against 2004/05 winners Action 21 Charleroi, Romanian hosts ACS Odorheiu Secuiesc and Belarussian representatives Viten Orsha.

Charleroi challenge
Benamrouche, who played in Roubaix's 2005/06 European debut before taking over as coach the following season, is well aware of the size of their task, starting against Charleroi, who beat them 4-1 and 7-1 in friendlies early last month. "Action 21 will win the group without losing a game," Benmarouche predicted. "They are professional and we are amateur. An experienced player for them has 20 years of futsal behind him. For us, it's four or five years. In addition, they have a terrific Brazilian connection."

Scouting mission
Still, the 34-year-old is pleased with how the fixtures fall. "We are happy to take [Charleroi] on first," he said. "Because we will have the opportunity to watch the other two sides, who are more beatable for us. I know nothing about the Belarussian side and I saw some videos of the Romanians. They are strong too. We're dark horses and playing at this level for the first time. We just want to play at our best and also give a good account of ourselves, in the sense of fair play and the way we act."

Futsal in the community
That latter points is important, because the Roubaix club – founded in 2003 by president Messaoud Ferkioui – see sport as an educational tool, and to that end they set up France's first ever youth futsal competition, Le Challenge Roubaisien, which now attracts 110 participants. "As a sport, futsal has a lot to give to young people," Ferkioui said. "But we still have a lot to do in our country.

Big support
"For us, have the preliminary round at home was a huge but fantastic workload," he added. "It is not every day we meet teams from Iceland, Armenia or Cyprus. It was good to mix. And it's also what football is about." The three games were also well attended, having been staged in the school holidays. "It was a resounding event in the area with almost 2,000 people coming to watch the games," he said.  Should a miracle occur in Romania, there could be even bigger crowds in the future.