BELGIUM 2014 28 JANUARY�8FEBRUARY OFFICIAL PROGRAMME d trademarks of the adidas Group. d trademarks re te © 2013 adidas AG. adidas, the 3-Bars logo and the 3-Stripes mark are regis mark are and the 3-Stripes logo adidas, the 3-Bars © 2013 adidas AG.

game onor game over

all in or nothing adidas.com/worldcup Follow theactiononUEFA.comand on the @UEFAcom Twitter account. CONTENTS Thetournament’s official website will haveall the latestnews as well as matchreports,reaction and exclusiveinterviews.

5 ANTWERPHEREWECOME

7 UEFA PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

9 WELCOMETOBELGIUM

11 WELCOMETOANTWERP 12

12 ROAD TO : THECONTENDERS

14 INTERVIEW: KARIMCHAIBAI

16 ONES TO WATCH 19 GROUPA:BELGIUM/UKRAINE/ 5 14 23 MATCHSCHEDULE

25 REDDEVILS: THELOWDOWN ON BELGIANFUTSAL 27 MADEINBRAZIL 16 29 GROUPB:RUSSIA// NETHERLANDS

32 INTERVIEW: TORRAS

35 QUALIFYING STATISTICS

37 GROUPC://

40 HISTORY: ’SGOLDSTANDARD

43 NUMBERSGAME: UEFA EURO RECORDS 45 GROUPD:SPAIN// 32

49 RIDING HIGH 40 54 51 TRAVEL: ANTWERP

52 BEGINNER’SGUIDE TO FUTSAL

54 RULESOFTHE GAME

Editor:Michael Harrold Paul Saffer, Berend Scholten,BrechtSchelstraete, Rok Designed andproduced by HaymarketNetwork on Design:Iain Green(Haymarket) Šinkovc, Nuno Tavares, Graham Turner,Jim Wirth, behalf of UEFA. Contributors:Jim Agnew, Gonzalo Aguado,Oqtay Paul-DanielZaharia,OndřejZlámal Atayev,PhilAtkinson,Francesco Corda, Pierre Cornez, Photography:Bolcina/Photo News,ČMFS, FFU, FIGC, ©UEFA2014. Allrightsreserved. TheUEFAword, the Rob Esteva,Susan Forrester, Nick Foster,Martyn FPF, FRF, GáborBaricsa,Getty Images,HNS,Ivana UEFA logo andall marksrelated to UEFA competitions, Hindley, ElvirIslamović,IgorLinnyk, Andy Lockwood, Hošková, KNVB,Marko Djurić,NZS,Paolo Cassella, areprotected by trademarks and/or copyrightof PaoloMenicucci,LaurentMorel,MarkPettit, José PeterGoris,ProShots, RFEF,RFS,Sportsfile,Thinkstock, UEFA.Nouse forcommercialpurposesmay be made Nuno Pimentel,Eugene Ravdin,Dmitri Rogovitski, URBSFA-KBVB of such trademarks.

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9798 (DV) Refreshment visual UEFA_HD.indd 1 13/12/13 15:58 ANTWERP HERE WE COME

CELEBRATION TIME Clockwise from top: the Netherlands celebrate ending their nine-year wait –the longest of any side at this tournament –to return to the finals; the Czech Republic huddle up; Ukraine’s Yevgen Valenko was on target against in the play- offs; Saad (No11) scored four goals for Italy during qualifying.

5 NO TO RACISM BOODSCHAP VANUEFA’S VOORZITTER

Namens UEFA hebikhet genoegenomu in Antwerpenteverwelkomen voor het eindtoernooi vanhet achtste UEFA Europees Kampioenschap Futsal. Spanje is na zijn vierde opeenvolgende titel twee jaar geledeninKroatië opnieuw het te kloppenteam, hoewelhet daar tothet uiterste moestgaanindefinale tegenRusland, de MESSAGE DU PRÉSIDENT kampioen van1999 dievandaag terugisvoor eennieuweuitdaging. Voor wiegeenpartijkiest, DE L’UEFA geldthet toernooi in Kroatiëals het perfecte voorbeeld vanhoe opwindenddeze sportis, met Au nomdel’UEFA, j’ai le plaisir de vous UEFAPRESIDENT’S recordaantallen toeschouwers diezichlaten souhaiter la bienvenueàAnversàl’occasiondu betoveren doordesnelheid, vaardigheid en huitième EURO de futsaldel’UEFA. MESSAGE behendigheid vanEuropa’stopteams. Unefoisencore, l’Espagneseral’équipeà We kunnen nogmeervan datverwachten battre.Elleaeneffetremportéson quatrième On behalf of UEFA it is my pleasure to welcome in de Europese Sporthoofdstad2013, titre d’affiléeenCroatie il yadeuxans,à youtoAntwerp forthe eighth UEFA European Antwerpen, waardetweewedstrijdlocaties l’issued’une finalehaletante disputée contre Futsal Championship final tournament. het kampioenschap eenuniekecentrale le championde1999,laRussie, aujourd’hui Spain areagain theteamtobeat, havingwon identiteit zullen verlenen,enongetwijfeld voor prêteune nouvellefoisàrelever le défi. Pour their fourth successivetitle in Croatia twoyears eenonvergetelijk spektakelzullenzorgen. tout spectateur, la Croatieaconstitué un cadre ago, though they were pushed to thelimit in the België heeft eeneervolletraditie vanfutsalop idéalpour ce tournoipassionnant, où la vitesse, final by 1999 champions Russia,who areback clubniveaueninternationaal, en ik verwachtdat l’habiletéetl’agilité desmeilleures équipes to mount anotherchallenge.For theneutral, UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 zalhelpenomhiernog européennesont attiré desfoules record. thetournament in Croatia served as theperfect meer mensen totdesport te bekeren. Anvers,Capitaleeuropéenne du sport2013, showcaseofjusthow exciting this sportis, with Mijn hartelijkedank aandeKoninklijke nouspromet elle aussiunévénement riche en recordcrowdscaptivatedbythe speed,skill and Belgische Voetbalbond (URBSFA-KBVB)enzijn action.Les deux salles conférerontautournoi agilityofEurope’s topsides. voorzitter, François De Keersmaecker,voorhun uneidentité centralisée unique et offrirontsans We canexpectmoreofthe same in the2013 inspanningenomdit evenementteorganiseren. nuldoute un spectaclemémorable.LaBelgique European CapitalofSport,Antwerp,where the Graagwens ik de 12 strijdende teamsook alle disposed’une longue traditionenmatièrede twovenues will givethe championship aunique succestoe in eenprettig toernooi datwordt futsalinterclubsetinternational,etjesuis centralised identity and, no doubt, putonashow gespeeld in eengeest vanfairplayenrespect. certain que l’EURO de futsaldel’UEFA2014 to remember. Belgiumhas aproud tradition permettraàcette discipline d’attirerencore in futsalatcluband internationallevelsand I MichelPlatini plus de supporters. expectUEFAFutsalEURO2014willhelpthe VoorzitterUEFA Je remercie sincèrementl’Union Royale sportgain even more converts here. Belgedes Sociétés de FootballAssociation My sincerethanksgotothe RoyalBelgian (URBSFA) et sonPrésident,FrançoisDe FootballAssociation (URBSFA-KBVB)and its Keersmaecker,pour lesefforts consentisdans president, François De Keersmaecker,for their l’organisation de cetévénement.J’aimerais efforts in organising this event. Iwouldalsolike égalementsouhaiter bonne chance aux to wish the12competing teamsthe best of luck 12 équipes en lice,enespérantqu’elles as they enjoyatournament played in thespirit profiterontaumaximum de ce tournoi, dans of fair play andrespect. l’esprit du fair-playetdurespectmutuel.

Michel Platini Michel Platini UEFA President Présidentdel’UEFA

7 SOCAR_FutsalEuro2014_ProgrammeAd_FINAL_19.12.2013_Outlined.indd 1 19/12/2013 10:31 WELKOM IN BELGIË

Welkom in Antwerpen, sporthoofdstadvan Europa2013engaststadvoorUEFAFutsal EURO 2014.Als voorzittervan de Belgische voetbalbond benikwerkelijk vereerd datonze bond, in samenwerking met de stadAntwerpen BIENVENUE EN BELGIQUE en UEFA,dit evenementorganiseert.Ikzou alledeelnemerswillengelukwensen met hun Bienvenue àAnvers, Capitale européenne du kwalificatie voor dit toernooi. sport 2013 et ville organisatrice de l’EURO de Hetvoelt alseen hele tijd geledendat futsal de l’UEFA2014. En tant que président onslanddoorUEFAwerdaangesteld om het de l’Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de eindtoernooi vaneen Europees kampioenschap Football Association, je considèrelefait que te ontvangen. We herinneren onsallemaalUEFA notreassociation organise cet événement, en EURO 2000,maardat lijktdecenniageleden. collaboration avec la ville d’Anvers et l’UEFA, In 2007 organiseerdenwehet eindtoernooi comme un véritable honneur.Jetiens àféliciter WELCOME TO BELGIUM vanhet UEFA Europees Kampioenschap U17en ici tous les participants pour leur qualification à vandaag, zevenjaarlater,zijnwemeerdan trots ce tournoi. Welcome to Antwerp, Europe’s 2013 capital dathet bestevan Europa’sfutsaltalentnaarons L’époque où notrepays aété désigné par of sport and host city forUEFAFutsal EURO toekomt. l’UEFApour accueillir le tournoi final d’un 2014. As president of the Belgian FA,Iamtruly Ik hoopwerkelijk datdit groteevenement Championnat d’Europe paraît bien lointaine. honoured that our association, in cooperation de ontwikkeling vanfutsalinons landzal Certes, l’EURO 2000 est encoredans toutes nos with the city of Antwerp and UEFA, is organising bevorderenendat meer en meer mensen mémoires, mais cela remonte àbien longtemps. this event. Iwould like to congratulate all hunweg zullen vinden naarwedstrijden in de En 2007, nous avons ensuite organisé le tournoi participants on qualifying forthis tournament. clubcompetitieenvan onsnationale elftal.Ik final du Championnat d’Europe des moins de 17 It feels like along time since our country was bentamelijk zekerdat de spelers, met hun ans de l’UEFA. Et voilà qu’aujourd’hui, sept ans appointed by UEFAtohost the final tournament fantastische vaardighedenentechniek, hun plus tard, nous avons l’immense fierté d’accueillir of aEuropean championship. We all remember uiterstebestzullendoenomdeLotto Arenaen la crème du futsal européen. UEFAEURO 2000, but that seems decades ago. In het Sportpaleis in vuur en vlam te zetten. J’espèresincèrement que cet important 2007, we organised the UEFAEuropean Under-17 Toch wilikgraag alle12landendie aandit événement contribuera àdévelopper le futsal Championship final tournament and now,seven eindtoernooi deelnemen,oproepenomop8 dans notrepays et qu’un nombrecroissant years later,weare morethan proud that the best februari niet enkelopdetitel te richten, maar de spectateurs ira assister aux matches de of Europe’s futsal talent is coming our way. ook onze sportopdebestmogelijkemanierte championnat et aux rencontres de notreéquipe Itruly hope that this big event will help the promoten.Zelfzullenwij samenmet de stad nationale. Je suis pratiquement certain que development of futsal in our country and that AntwerpenenUEFAalles in het werk stellen les joueurs, dont l’habileté et la technique sont moreand morepeople will find their way to opdat de teamsensupporters zich helemaal fabuleuses, feront de leur mieux pour mettre league matches and the games of our national thuiszoudenvoelen. une ambiance de feudans la Lotto Arena et le team. I’mpretty surethat the players, with their Ik maakgraag vandeze gelegenheid Sportpaleis. fabulous skills and technique, will do their utmost gebruik om allemensen te bedankendie bij Néanmoins, j’aimerais appeler les 12 nations to set the atmospherealight at the Lotto Arena de organisatievan dit belangrijke evenement participant àcetournoi ànepas seulement viser and the Sportpaleis. betrokkenzijn, in het bijzonderdehonderden le titrequi sera remis le 8février prochain, mais But Iwould still like to call upon all 12 nations vrijwilligersdie vandit toernooi eengeweldig aussi àpromouvoir notresport de leur mieux. taking part in this final tournament not only succeshelpenmaken. De notrecôté, nous coopérerons avec la ville to aim forthe title on 8February but also to Veel succesiedereen,endat het besteteam d’Anvers et l’UEFA, et déploierons tous les efforts promote our sport in the best possible way.For magwinnen. nécessaires pour permettreaux équipes et aux our part, we will work with the city of Antwerp supporters de se sentir àl’aise. and UEFA, doing everything to make the teams François De Keersmaecker Je saisis également cette occasion pour and supporters feel comfortable. Voorzitter Koninklijke Belgische Voetbalbond remercier toutes les personnes engagées Iwould like to take this opportunity to thank dans l’organisation de cet événement majeur, all the people involved in organising this major en particulier les centaines de bénévoles qui event, especially the hundreds of volunteers contribuent àfaireensorte que ce tournoi soit un helping to make this tournament agreat success. grand succès. Good luck to you all, and may the best team win. Bonne chance àtous et que la meilleure équipe gagne ! François De Keersmaecker Royal Belgian Football Association President François De Keersmaecker Président de l’Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association

9 Proficiat. Dankzij u is Antwerpen een echte sportstad.

www.sportingA.be 03 22 11 333

proficiat_Antwerpen_sportstad.indd 1 29/11/2013 9:57:47 “TROTS EN AMBITIE”

Welkom in Antwerpen. We zijn trots datwein onze wereldstadinzakformaatprofessionele spelersuit 12 landenenduizendenfansuit heel Europamogenverwelkomen. We gelovenvastindeeenmakendeen gemeenschapsopbouwende krachtvan sport. Bart De WeverLOver heel Antwerpenzienwejonge –eniets udo VanCampenhout minderjonge –mensen trainen,plezier maken en vrienden makenterwijl ze meedoenaan stadssportenoppleinen en in buurtsportcentra. «FIERTÉ ET AMBITION » Datvoetbal vanallebuurtsporten de populairste is en het Antwerpse Bienvenue àAnvers !Nous sommes fiers competitiefutsaleen vrij indrukwekkendestaat d’accueillir des footballeurs professionnels vandienstheeft, hoeft geenbetoog. de douze pays et des milliers de supporters “PRIDE AND AMBITION” Hetstadscollege blijftstadssportenzoals en provenance de l’Europe entièredans notre futsalsteunenenbevorderenomdat ze jonge petite métropole. WelcometoAntwerp.Weare proudtowelcome mensen eengevoelvan trots en ambitie Nous croyons fermement au pouvoir professional playersfrom 12 countriesand geven. En het spreekt vanzelf, we hopen d’unification et de rassemblement thousandsof fansfrom all over Europe to our enkele vandeze jongeren te zien schitteren in communautairedusport. Dans toute la ville pocket-sizedmetropolis. toekomstigeeditiesvan de UEFA Futsal EURO. d’Anvers, vous pouvez observer des personnes – We firmlybelieveinthe unifying and De succesvollekandidatuur vanAntwerpen jeunes et moins jeunes –s’entraîner,s’amuser et community-building powerof sports. Allover voor het organiserenvan dit toernooi toont fairedenouvelles connaissances en pratiquant Antwerp, yousee young–and somewhat less onze blijvendeinzet voor sportevenementen op des sports urbains dans les parcs et les young–people exercising,havingfun and hoog niveau,ook in de komendejaren,onder centres communautaires. Il est inutile de dire making friendswhile taking part in urbansports de blijvendeaanwezigheidvan onze historische que le football règne en maîtresur les autres in squares andcommunitysportscentres. positievan Europese Sporthoofdstad2013. disciplines, et le palmarès d’Anvers en matière Needless to say, footballreignssupreme in En omdatnietiedereen futsalkan eten, de futsal est assez impressionnant. neighbourhood sports,and Antwerp’srecordin drinkenenademen, nodigenweallefansen Le conseil municipal continue àsoutenir et competitive futsalisalsoquiteimpressive. teamsook uit om te proevenvan de culturele, àfavoriser les sports urbains tels que le futsal, Thecityboard continuestosupport and culinaireenandereverrukkingendie onze car ils contribuent àdévelopper le sentiment de facilitateurban sports likefutsalbecause bruisendestadtebiedenheeft. We zijn ervan confiance en soi et l’ambition chez les jeunes. they giveyoung people asenseof pride and overtuigddat dit niet uw laatstebezoek aan Bien entendu, nous espérons voir certains de ambition. Andof course,wehopetosee some Antwerpenwordt.Wewensen allespelers een ces jeunes talents dans de futures compétitions, of theseyoungstersstarinfutureeditions of succesvol toernooi toe, en allefanstweeweken telles que l’EURO de futsal de l’UEFA2014. Le theUEFAFutsalEURO. Antwerp’ssuccessful vanspannende en opwindende wedstrijden. choix d’Anvers pour accueillir cette compétition bidtohostthiscompetition shows our lasting montrel’engagement durable de notreville dans commitment to high-profilesportsevents, even Bart De Wever le domaine des événements sportifs prestigieux, in thecomingyears,asthe legacy of our status Burgemeestervan Antwerpen même dans les prochaines années, quand nous as 2013 European Capitalof Sport continues. ne serons plus la Capitale européenne du Sport. Because noteveryonecan eat, drinkand Ludo VanCampenhout Et parce que le futsal n’est pas notre breathefutsal, we also invite all fans andteams Plaatsvervangend burgemeester unique centred’intérêt, nous invitons tous to sample some of thecultural,culinaryand Schepenvan sport les supporters et toutes les équipes àprofiter otherdelightsour vibrant city hastooffer. We également des joyaux culturels, culinaires areconfidentthatthiswillnot be your last visit et artistiques que notreriche ville propose. to Antwerp. We wish all playersasuccessful Nous sommes convaincus que ce ne sera pas tournament,and all fans twoweeks of thrilling votredernièrevisite àAnvers. Mais pour le andexcitinggames. moment, nous souhaitons àtous les joueurs beaucoup de succès lors de ce tournoi, et à Bart De Wever tous les supporters deux semaines de matches Mayorof Antwerp passionnants.

Ludo VanCampenhout Bart De Wever Deputy mayorfor sport Bourgmestre d’Anvers

Ludo VanCampenhout Bourgmestre suppléant Echevindes sports

11 3 CROATIA A10-0 home loss to Spain in qualifying perhapssaysmoreabout thechampions’ strengthsthanCroatia’sweaknesses. Spain were,for instance, theonlysidetokeep seven-goal DarioMarinović off thescoresheet in fivequalifiers.The 2012 semi-finalists’ misfortune is to havedrawn Spain again in ROAD TO thefinaltournament. BELGIUM THECONTENDERS

As Spain set their sights on afih straight title, we take stockofthe 12 sidesvying forthe UEFA EuropeanFutsal Championship trophy

Matěj Slováček in action forthe Czech Republic

6

1 AZERBAIJAN 2 BELGIUM Azerbaijandid notpickupapoint Thehosts return to thefinals forthe 2 at UEFA Futsal EURO 2012,but having first time since2010, qualifying automatically. contestedthe semi-finals twoyears prior Belgiumhavenever passed beyond thegroup to that,’ssideknow what it takesto stage in theirthree previousfinaltournament reach thelatter stagesofthiscompetition. appearances,but will be hopinghome They didnot drop apoint in qualifying,with support provides theimpetustoreach the theevergreen41-year-old Biro Jade scoring knockout stage this time around. three timesinasmanygames.

Croatia celebrate agoal during their play-off win 11 against Slovakia 7

12 UKRAINE Ukrainescrapedthrough theplay-offs on theaway goalsrule, buthavingsurvived that scaretraveltoBelgium battle-hardened. Yevgen Ryvkin takescharge of hisfirstfinal tournament following theretirementof Gennadiy Lysenchuk, andthoughhis side is in transition,the two-time finalists know what it takestosucceed.

12 Official programme 4 CZECHREPUBLIC 5 ITALY 6 NETHERLANDS TheCzech Republic qualified as main Oneofonlythree nationstohavewon TheNetherlands return to European round Group6winners with three straight this competition, Italywereunfortunate to futsal’s biggest stage aer anine-year hiatus, victories, thecelebrations startingaeran lose out to Spain by thenarrowest of margins thelongest wait of anyofthese sides. Having emphatic 5-1triumph against fellow finalists in thesemi-finals in 2012.Theysentout a narrowly edged past Bosnia andHerzegov- theNetherlands secured theirplace in atenth warninginqualifyingthattheywillbeattheir ina on theaway goalsruleinthe play-offs, straight majortournament.“Iraise my hat, best again,winning theirthree gamesbyan Marcel Loosveld’ssidefaceanevengreater because [the players] managed in areally aggregatescoreline of 20-2. challenge against heavyweights Russia and fabulous way,” coachTomáš Neumann said. Portugal in GroupB.

7 PORTUGAL Blessed with prodigious skill anda wealth of experience,Portugalreachedthe final in 2010 andwillonceagain havetheir eyes on thetrophy. A3-1 loss to Italyinthe quarter-finals stopped them in theirtracks last time out,increasingthe desire of a supremelytalentedgenerationtorealise theirpotential in Belgium.

8 ROMANIA Romania only narrowly secured second 9 place in main round Group 3, but they turned on the style in the play-offs. They defeated Serbia –quarter-finalists in 2012 –byan incredible 9-3 aggregate score, despite coach Sito Rivera stepping down ahead of the tie.

4 12

10 8 Romania savour the moment aer seeing off 3 Serbia in the play-offs

9 RUSSIA 1 Russia won the inaugural UEFA European Futsal Championship in 1999 and 5 have since twice reached the final, losing to Spain both times. They took the champions to extra time in 2012, and with the majority of that squad hereinAntwerp, the drive to go one better this time will ensureSergei Skorovich’s team challenge strongly again.

10 SLOVENIA 11 SPAIN Coach Andrej Dobovičnikhas described Thereigningchampions scored the Russia’s Nikolai hisplayers as “the golden generation of most goals(28)and conceded thefewest Shisterov Slovenian futsal,” emphasising that they (one)inqualifying, suggestingEuropean are“at theirpeaknow.Weare readyfor futsal’s dominant forcehavetaken the even biggerthings”. Slovenia’squality shone retirementsofkey figures Luis Amadoand through in their8-3 main round Group7 Kike in theirstride.Newcomers such as Raúl victoryagainst Ukrainethatensured they Camposand José Ruiz have thequality to reachedthe final tournament without ensureSpain’s golden runcontinues. recourse to theplay-offsfor thefirsttime.

13 “WE FEEL THE MOTIVATION AND THE NOISE BEHIND US WHEN WE PLAYIN FRONT OF OUR FANS”

14 OfficialOffi cial Programme 2013 “NO LIMITS”

Belgium captain Karim Chaibai knows “the spotlight will be on us” as he rallies his side to put on a show in Antwerp

t is nearly a decade since Karim Chaibai in all our friendly games. We played against made his debut for Belgium and in that time big nations, and our goal was to improve. Ihe has established himself as the beating That’s how you develop: by playing against big heart of the side. The 31-year-old surpassed nations. Brazil are strong tactically, but you can Karim Bachar’s 101-match appearance record see that Spain are a lot more organised on set for Belgium in the build-up to the tournament, pieces – kick-ins, corner kicks and so on. and has already amassed over 50 goals for his country. Most important of all for the Belgium Belgium last played in a UEFA Futsal EURO in captain, however, is ensuring his side deliver 2010. What are your memories of that? when it matters most – right here, right now, in Great memories, but unfortunately we didn’t front of home support. “We feel the motivation make it through the first round. That is our and the noise behind us when we play in front objective now at home. We must have that kind of of our fans,” he said. “We need to play beyond pressure on us. We must want to make it through our limits.” the first round. We are better prepared compared to our last EURO. In terms of the tactics, we have What does it mean to host this tournament? taken more time to work on things. What are your thoughts on your Group A It’s very important for us. I wouldn’t say it rivals Romania and Ukraine? adds any pressure, but it’s important for us How has the team changed since the arrival of Romania are a very physical team with a to show our best here in Belgium. We know Alain Dopchie as coach? few good individual players, and are adept how important it is to host the EURO. We want He has brought some professionalism to the at using the flying goalkeeper. They are very to give futsal a boost. We mustn’t miss that squad. We are a bit more serious, a bit more well organised tactically. Ukraine are very chance. We want it to be a big celebration mature. That’s a real change. He has a good fast and also very good technically. and we want to add a personal touch with staff around him and everything is taken care qualification [for the knockout stage]. We will of. We have been gaining the respect of other Who are the favourites to win the title? try to attract as many spectators as we can. teams. We played in Spain and in the papers the Spain, and I think Italy. We know how good The spotlight will be on us. Spanish coach said a lot of good things about Spain are, how professional they are and us. Within the squad we are getting more and how far ahead of all the other teams they How does the success the Belgian football more organised. We now need to gain maturity are. Spain remain the favourites because team are enjoying at the moment impact on and experience. We know internationals are they have a massive pool of players. We your side? oen decided on the smallest details, so we know Russia very well too and they will be It’s an advantage, because it conveys a good must improve in that aspect. We have always competing for the top spots. image for us. We’re part of the same national been confident. The skills of the players have association, and we must take advantage of not changed, but things are set up better What does it mean to you be playing in this that. Let’s try and surf on that wave. tactically. We are more dangerous now, and the EURO in Belgium? other teams respect us more for that. It’s why we will give everything. As a player How have preparations gone? You have you know this will only happen once, so it played against both the world and European What are the main strengths of your team? is up to us now to enjoy it fully. Let’s enjoy champions, Brazil and Spain. Belgian players are very technical – they have the fact that it’s at home – that’s the most We saw some very good things from our side a lot of skill and a very strong desire. important thing.

CHAIBAI IN NUMBERS 100 50 2 1 Chaibai won his 100th cap in the 3-3 Chaibai scored his 50th goal for This is Chabai’s second UEFA Futsal Chaibai made his Belgium debut in draw against the Netherlands on 3 Belgium in a 6-1 rout of Switzerland EURO final tournament a 7-0 victory against England on 24 December 2013 on 17 September 2012 May 2004

15 ONES TO WATCH

WITH EUROPE’S TOP FUTSAL PLAYERS ON DISPLAY, WE TAKE OUR PICK OF THOSE SURE TO INSPIRE THEIR SIDES IN ANTWERP

VITALIY BORISOV of the Czech attack, possessing AZERBAIJAN a powerful le foot and the skills The 31-year-old Araz Naxçivan to consistently beat his man. The man is his country’s leader on 29-year-old also excels at football court. Averaging over a goal every and plays for Czech second division other game in this competition, side FK Pardubice. his consistency, dependability and knack for scoring at crucial times have become the forward’s ITALY hallmark since making his UEFA Mammarella is the prototype of Futsal EURO debut in 2007. the modern No1, with brilliant reflexes and excellent distribution. JONATHAN NEUKERMANS The 30-year-old was a key player BELGIUM for Italy at UEFA Futsal EURO Having risen through his country’s 2012 and scored in the third-place ranks since swapping football for play-off, before being awarded the futsal as an 18-year-old, the FP Asse- adidas Golden Glove as the best Gooik defender has been a mainstay goalkeeper at the subsequent FIFA of the senior side for over a decade. Futsal World Cup. He has also won Technically skilful and physically the UEFA Futsal Cup with ASD Città strong, he complements his defensive di Montesilvano C/5. ability with a keen eye for goal. SAMIR MAKHOUKHI DARIO MARINOVIĆ NETHERLANDS CROATIA The FCK De Hommel defender At just 23, the forward already provides the backbone of the Dutch has five years of experience in the team, using his vast experience national side and provides a regular to dictate his country’s style of source of goals. Boasting a record play while providing the starting of 12 strikes in just 13 games in this point for numerous attacks. The competition, he scored seven times 31-year-old broke Antoine Merlino’s Ricardinho (No10 above) in five matches during qualifying. record 115 appearances for the is Portugal’s main threat His speed, skill on the ball and Netherlands on 6 January and first while Samir Makhoukhi accuracy of shot make him a threat experienced a final tournament at (left) brings experience to the Dutch side to any defence. UEFA Futsal EURO 2005.

LUKÁŠ REŠETÁR RICARDINHO CZECH REPUBLIC PORTUGAL Three-time Czech futsal player One of the most gied players in of the year, the FK EP Chrudim the sport, the forward – remarkably forward provides the focal point – continues to improve, and in

16 Official programme KRISTJAN ČUJEC SLOVENIA At just 16 years of age, the forward (above) broke into the team at multiple national champions KMN Puntar, and immediately posted notice of his immense talent. Currently one of the leading scorers in the Italian second division, the 25-year-old struck five goals in one match against Ukraine in qualification, with his powerful and unerring shooting from distance a key weapon in the Slovenian armoury.

MIGUELÍN SPAIN Having developed into one of the main protagonists of José Venancio López’s formidable side, the Majorcan forward is key to Spain’s attacking options. Nimble, tough to mark and with Antwerp will be aiming to add to keep his nerves in check under any ice-cool nerves under pressure, the three goals he got in qualifying. circumstances, and is able to deliver the 28-year-old’s lethal le foot As well as winning the 2010 UEFA outstanding performances under could prove a telling factor in the Futsal Cup with SL Benfica, the the most intense pressure. destination of the 2014 trophy. 28-year-old inspired his country to the UEFA Futsal EURO 2010 final, NIKOLAI PEREVERZEV DENYS OVSYANNIKOV and his sparkling feet could help RUSSIA UKRAINE Portugal go all the way. Pereverzev has been Russia’s A quick and combative forward, the captain since last October, having Energy Lviv man (le) is a frequent FLORIN MATEI established himself as his side’s source of important goals, such ROMANIA key player in their run to the final as Ukraine’s crucial fourth and An enigmatic presence in Nelu of UEFA Futsal EURO 2012. Born final goal against Hungary in the Stancea’s side, the Autobergamo in Tyumen, Siberia, he has played play-offs that ultimately sealed Deva forward invariably bursts for his local side MFK Tyumen qualification on the away goals rule. into life when it matters most. throughout his career, helping them A selfless player, the 29-year-old’s Outstanding technically, he to the Russian league’s runner-up versatility ensures he can fill a role couples that with the ability to spot in 2010. superbly anywhere on the court.

17 RUNNING ON INNOVATION

www.mondoindoorsport.com

MONDO S.P.A., ITALY MONDO IBÉRICA S.A., SPAIN [email protected] [email protected] MONDO LUXEMBOURG S.A. MONDO FRANCE S.A. [email protected] [email protected] MONDO PORTUGAL S.A. MONDO UK LTD. [email protected] [email protected] MONDO AMERICA Inc. CANADA [email protected] GROUP A BELGIUM/UKRAINE/ROMANIA BELGIUM

HOSTSHOPEFUL Belgium qualified automatically as hosts, but they have not had an easy ride in the build-up to the tournament. Trips to Brazil and Spain have pitted them against the best in the world, and though they lost all four of their games against the world and European champions, they have benefited from the experience. “Wehave the chance to put into practice what we learned abroad and show it in Belgium,” said coach Alan Dopchie, whose side can also take confidence from victory against Portugal in 2012. “If we can play against Brazil, Spain and Portugal and perform well, we will certainly be able to play well against the other teams.” Captain Karim Chaibai is the standout figure in aside built around the nucleus of Ahmed Sababti, Omar Rahou, Lúcio and Jonathan Neukermans. One of Dopchie’s biggest challenges has been finding time with his Career Competition players, some of whose schedules aregoverned Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club by work commitments, but he is confident the Goalkeepers hosts will deliver.“Our aim is to show,atleast to PietroBenetti 19/05/1988 17/0 0/0 Futsal Hasselt Europe, that Belgian futsal is areality,” he said. David Morant 24/12/1977 87/1 9/0 Paris Metropole “This is abig opportunity.Ukraine and Romania aregood sides so we’regoing to need to play Outfield players the best futsal we can to qualify.”

Karim Chaibai 05/10/1982 102/52 8/8 Châtelineau Futsal

Reda Dahbi 26/06/1981 34/8 3/0 Futsal Hasselt FIXTURES Abdessamad Dendane 11/05/1986 30/3 3/0 Dolce Vita Morlanwelz 28 JANUARYvROMANIA

Valentin Dujacquier 23/07/1989 29/17 3/2 Châtelineau Futsal 1FEBRUARYvUKRAINE

Abdelhak El Ghaadaoui 12/04/1992 12/3 0/0 Futsal Topsport Antwerpen FINALTOURNAMENTAPPEARANCES 4 Aziz Hitou 01/02/1990 33/12 2/3 Futsal Topsport Antwerpen

Liliu 16/04/1979 15/1 0/0 Châtelineau Futsal BEST PERFORMANCE GROUP STAGE 1999,2003,2010 Lúcio 04/07/1975 23/3 5/0 Châtelineau Futsal

Omar Rahou 19/07/1992 22/12 0/0 Châtelineau Futsal

Jonathan Neukermans 12/04/1983 73/8 10/0 FP Asse-Gooik

Ahmed Sababti 10/12/1985 64/18 5/0 Futsal Topsport Antwerpen

Saad Salhi 14/05/1987 47/11 1/0 Action 21

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Competition Apps = selections formatchday squad Statistics correct to 14 January 2014

2013 FRIENDLYRESULTS 08/01/2013 France 2-2 Belgium Coach:ALAIN DOPCHIE 25/02/2013 Romania 4-3 Belgium Date of birth: 26/03/1964 26/02/2013 Romania 5-2 Belgium Dopchie began his coaching career at provincial 01/08/2013 Brazil 6-1 Belgium club LVaudignies, who he had played for 04/08/2013 Brazil 5-1 Belgium previously.In2004, Belgium coach Benny Meurs 23/09/2013 Spain 5-2 Belgium invited Dopchie to join his staff and together 24/09/2013 Spain 8-2 Belgium they oversaw qualification forUEFAFutsal EURO 02/12/2013 Belgium 3-3 Netherlands 2010, aer which Dopchie replaced Meurs in 03/12/2013 Belgium 3-3 Netherlands Belgium arehoping to make their mark on home soil charge of the national side.

19 UKRAINE

NEWLOOK Twice runners-up, Ukraine have a fine futsal pedigree with which to enter their first final tournament since the end of Gennadiy Lysenchuk’s long reign as coach. Ukraine set up an independent national team in 1994 under Lysenchuk, who remained the coach until last year.Intheir first tournament they got to the 1996 FIFAFutsal World Cup semi-finals and went on to reach the 2001 and 2003 European finals, losing to Spain and hosts Italy respectively. Beforehis departure, Lysenchuk introduced anew generation aer the retirement of several key players, and new coach Yevgen Ryvkin has been overseeing the transition. Ryvkin is also in charge of national champions Lokomotiv Kharkov,who supply the bulk of the squad, but it has taken time to find awinning formula. Ukraine finished second behind Slovenia in qualifying and only beat Hungary in the play-offs on the away goals rule, but two positive recent Qualifying Competition friendly results against Italy in Asti –a4-3 win Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club and a2-2 draw –aswell as apair of tight games (including awin) against Croatia have lied spirits. Goalkeepers “Players, coaches and fans should unite in their Yevgen Ivanyak 28/09/1982 5/0 13/0 Lokomotiv Kharkov support of the team at the final tournament,” said DmytroLytvynenko 16/04/1987 5/0 14/0 Lokomotiv Kharkov Ryvkin. “Our recent matches have shown that we Kyrylo Tsypun 30/07/1987 3/0 4/0 Uragan Ivano-Frankovsk areable to compete against the best.”

Outfield players

FIXTURES Mykola Bilotserkivets 05/12/1986 2/2 2/2 Lokomotiv Kharkov 30 JANUARY vROMANIA DmytroBondar 12/10/1983 3/1 3/1 Energy Lviv 1FEBRUARYvBELGIUM Oleksandr Bondar 24/09/1981 2/0 2/0 Energy Lviv

FINALTOURNAMENTAPPEARANCES 7 Vitaliy Kiselyov 20/02/1983 2/0 3/0 Lokomotiv Kharkov Denys Ovsyannikov 10/12/1984 4/2 14/9 Energy Lviv BEST PERFORMANCE Maxym Pavlenko 15/09/1975 2/2 9/6 Energy Lviv RUNNERSUP2001,2003 Yevgen Rogachov 30/08/1983 0/0 16/7 Energy Lviv

DmytroSorokin 14/07/1988 5/4 11/4 Lokomotiv Kharkov

Oleksandr Sorokin 13/08/1987 5/0 5/0 Lokomotiv Kharkov

Yevgen Valenko 01/11/1984 2/1 4/1 Uragan Ivano-Frankovsk

Serhiy Zhurba 14/03/1987 5/0 9/1 Lokomotiv Kharkov

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 7 Coach:YEVGEN RYVKIN PWDLFAPts Date of birth: 07/09/1967 Slovenia 3300188 9 Ryvkin joined the national team set-up in 2012, Ukraine 320114106 Turkey* 31029123 first as youth coach and then replacing Lysenchuk England 30035160 at the helm. He has combined the role with his *Hosts club position at Lokomotiv,wherehehas worked Turkey 3-5Slovenia, Ukraine 7-0 England,Turkey4-3 England, since 1991, first setting up their youth team, then Slovenia8-3 Ukraine, England 2-5Slovenia, Ukraine 4-2 Turkey leading the senior side to the Ukrainian Cup in PLAYOFF Ukraine 2-1 Hungary, Hungary5-4 Ukraine 2009 and their first league title in 2013. Aggregate 6-6; Ukraine win on away goals Mykola Bilotserkivets scored twice against Hungary

20 Official programme GROUP A BELGIUM/UKRAINE/ROMANIA ROMANIA

FIRM FOUNDATIONS Romania’s futsal team was only founded in 2003, but has already reached athirdfinal tournament thanks to acohesive group of players that have been together since the start. The squad still resembles the one that reached their first final tournament in Portugal in 2007, with the likes of Florin Matei, captain Robert Lupu, Cosmin Gherman, Gabriel Dobre, Ion Al-Ioani, Marian Șotărcă and Dumitru Stoica providing the backbone fortheir country,having also previously played together forclub sides FC CIP Deva and City’Us TârguMureş. Not even coach Sito Rivera’s decision to step down ahead of the play-off against Serbia knocked them off their stride. Assistant coach and former goalkeeper Nelu Stancea took charge and steered Romania to aspectacular 9-3 aggregate triumph to book their place in Belgium, wherethey now come up against the hosts and former finalists Qualifying Competition Ukraine. Romania’s best performance at aUEFA Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club Futsal EURO was reaching the quarter-finals in Goalkeepers 2012 and Stancea wants to match that at least. Andrei Grigoraş 15/05/1989 5/0 5/0 Sfintul Georghe “It will be difficult against the host country,who will have the fans on their side, but we hope Vlad Iancu 03/01/1978 5/0 9/0 Autobergamo Deva to be competitive at this high-level European Outfield players tournament and make it out of the group,” he said.

Ion Al-Ioani 07/05/1983 5/2 17/3 City’US TârguMureş

Gabriel Dobre14/04/1980 5/1 13/2 Balzan FC FIXTURES Cosmin Gherman 25/04/1984 5/0 17/16 City’US TârguMureş 28 JANUARY vBELGIUM 30 JANUARY vUKRAINE Florin Ignat 26/02/1982 4/1 10/2 City’US TârguMureş

Robert Lupu 28/10/1982 5/2 23/13 Autobergamo Deva FINALTOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 3 Szabolcs Manya 30/01/1989 0/0 0/0 FC Odorheiu Secuiesc BEST PERFORMANCE Cristian Matei 12/03/1987 1/0 2/0 Autobergamo Deva QUARTERFINALS 2012 Florin Robert Matei 08/12/1983 2/4 20/26 Autobergamo Deva

Emil Răducu 19/05/1984 5/0 17/2 Balzan FC

Marian Şotârcă 12/11/1980 5/5 11/5 FC Dunărea Călărași

Dumitru Stoica 30/09/1981 5/0 15/4 City’US TârguMureş

László Szőcs 10/10/1984 0/0 2/2 City’US TârguMureş

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 3 PWDLFAPts Coach:NELU STANCEA Russia 3300132 9 Date of birth: 20/10/1967 Romania 3111854 Stancea was Romania’s first goalkeeper when Kazakhstan 3111464 the team was founded in 2003, and was assistant Latvia* 30032140 *Hosts under Sito Rivera beforetaking charge when Rivera stepped down last July.Appointed Russia 5-1Kazakhstan, Latvia 2-6Romania,Romania 1-2Russia, Latvia 0-2Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan1-1 Romania,Russia6-0 Latvia assistant goalkeeping coach of the national team PLAYOFF in 2004, he has been involved with the squad Romania 2-1 Serbia, Serbia 2-7 Romania Romania win 9-3 on aggregate Marian Șotărcă enjoys one of his four play-off goals throughout its first decade.

21 Technische perfectie het kenmerk van een speler van wereldklasse.

www.continental.be

0000000945.indd 1 11/26/2013 4:08:51 PM MATCHSCHEDULE

GROUPA GROUPB GROUPC GROUPD

BELGIUM RUSSIA ITALYSPAIN

UKRAINE PORTUGAL AZERBAIJAN CZECH REPUBLIC

ROMANIA NETHERLANDS SLOVENIA CROATIA

GROUPSTAGE

LOTTOARENA CAPACITY 5,218

28 JANUARY 31 JANUARY 18.30 Group BRussia v Netherlands 18.30 Group DCroatia v Czech Republic 21.00 Group ABelgium v Romania 20.45 Group CSlovenia v Azerbaijan

29 JANUARY 1FEBRUARY 18.30 Group DSpain v Croatia 18.30 Group BPortugal v Russia 20.45 Group CItaly v Slovenia 20.45 Group AUkraine v Belgium

30 JANUARY 2FEBRUARY 18.30 Group ARomania v Ukraine 18.30 Group CAzerbaijan v Italy 20.45 Group BNetherlands v Portugal 20.45 Group DCzech Republic v Spain

KNOCKOUT STAGE

SPORTPALEIS CAPACITY 15,000

QUARTERFINALS 3FEBRUARY SEMIFINALS 6FEBRUARY 18.00QF1 v 18.00SF1 v Winner GroupAvRunner-up GroupB Winner QF1vWinnerQF3

20.30 QF2 v 20.30 SF2 v Runner-up GroupAvWinnerGroup B Winner QF2vWinnerQF4

4FEBRUARY THIRDPLACEPLAYOFF 8FEBRUARY 18.00QF3 v 18.00 v Winner GroupCvRunner-up GroupD LoserSF1 vLoser SF2

20.30 QF4 v FINAL 8FEBRUARY Runner-up GroupCvWinnerGroup D 20.30 v Winner SF1vWinnerSF2

23 certified PDF

Toujours le foot en tête

Altijd met voetbal in het hoofd

www.voetbalmagazine.be 3 12 58

www.footmagazine.be OB

OB58123_sport.indd 1 18/12/13 08:53 EUROPEAN GLORY Action 21 Charleroi were a TITLE CHASERS powerful force in the early Action 21 Charleroi are the country’s most successful history of European futsal’s club side, having won the title ten times, including premier club competition, seven in a row from 2000 to 2006 and three more the UEFA Futsal Cup, from 2008 to 2010. They are followed closely by reaching the first two finals Futsal Hasselt on eight. Châtelineau Futsal are the in 2002 and 2003 before current champions. The first Belgian championship winning the trophy in 2005. was held in 1970/71, with Cools Brugge the A huge crowd of 6,500 inaugural winners. watched their 4-3 first leg victory against MFK Dinamo at the Spiroudôme, before a thrilling 6-6 draw aer extra time in Moscow ensured Charleroi won the trophy 10-9 on aggregate.

EARLY DAYS RECORD BREAKERS Futsal – ‘Zaalvoetbal’ in Flemish – was first Charleroi players and Belgian internationals played in Belgium in Bruges in 1964. It was André (54) and Lúcio (48) have scored the most Belgium drew not until 22 April 1977, however, that Belgium goals in the UEFA Futsal Cup while Lúcio (63) with Spain in played their first official match, beating the holds the record for most games played. Italy in 2003 Netherlands 7-3 in a friendly in Genk. RED DEVILS

THE LOWDOWN ON BELGIAN FUTSAL

1,000 Th ere are fut over 1, sal club 000 s in Be lgium

Belgium’s record scorer Karim Bachar

Belgium enjoy the moment STAR TURNS after qualifying for UEFA Karim Bachar and Karim Chaibai are Belgium’s Futsal EURO 2010 greatest futsal servants. Bachar’s international career spanned more than 13 years – he made his TOURNAMENT RECORD debut on 28 March 1998 against Spain and retired Belgium took part in the early FIFA unofficial tournaments, finishing runners-up in the second in on 5 September 2011 aer a 5-3 win against 1987. Two years later they reached the semi-finals of the inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup, before having amassed a record 101 games and 61 goals. advancing to the second group stage in 1992 and 1996. Belgium won bronze in the initial UEFA His appearance record was broken by Chaibai European Futsal Tournament in 1996, and are appearing in their fourth UEFA European Futsal just prior to UEFA Futsal EURO 2014, the current Championship final tournament. They are one of only five teams to have avoided defeat against Spain Belgium captain having won his 102nd cap in a 2-2 in a final tournament match – drawing 1-1 in the group stage in 2003 (top le). draw with Croatia on 8 January.

25 Enjoy!

Bier met liefde gebrouwen, drink je met verstand. COMPETITION HISTORY

MADE IN BRAZIL

Futsal originated in South America, and Neymar is one of many stars of the outdoor game to credit the indoor format for helping him develop the skills for which he is famous today

e have all heard the took off in a big way in neighbouring Hulk, the Brazilian international clichés about the Brazil, where the lack of outdoor currently playing his UEFA WBrazilians’ samba pitches pushed the passion for Champions League football for football. football into smaller arenas such Russian club FC Zenit, endorses But what is it? Most answers as basketball courts. Generation the important role of futsal in the would probably add up to a cocktail aer generation developed the development of skills. The physique of technique, creativity, high-speed ability to beat opponents in tight that earned him his playing name combination moves and dazzling spaces and, aer the outdoor might seem at odds with the dribbling skills – and all of those ‘Canarinha’ had gone into the smaller format, but Hulk maintains ingredients can be traced back to history books as serial FIFA World that “things you use in futsal as a the futsal courts where most of the Cup winners, Brazil’s national futsal child are able to help you on the SAMBA CONNECTION top Brazilian stars of the indoor and team has done likewise by winning football pitch. It’s about a lot of Neymar and Hulk (above) are outdoor games hone their talents. five of the seven final tournaments movement, for example. You might two of the many big names in Born in Uruguay in the 1930s, since FIFA introduced a Futsal not think so, but you run a lot and the outdoor game who have futsal – or ‘futebol de salão’ – soon World Cup in 1989. it’s like the movement we have built football careers on futsal In Brazil, the time-hallowed during a football match – though foundations. But the Brazilian tradition is for top players – I think there’s more movement in connection has also le indelible Neymar, for example – to polish futsal than on a grass pitch. marks on futsal in Europe. their technique in futsal and then “You learn how to control the Brazilian-born Paulo Roberto was decide whether to pursue their ball – the way you dominate it. In UEFA’s golden player when the careers indoors or outdoors. futsal the ball comes at you faster first European tournament was “Futsal is one of my passions,” and you have to develop more played in 1996. Vinicius Bacaro admits the FC Barcelona and Brazil agility to be able to break out of a followed in his footsteps when he star. “I always loved to play it and situation or lose your marker. scored the solitary goal that gave it was sad to have to stop in order That helps a lot on the football Italy the title in 2003. And a look to continue on the outdoor pitch.” pitch.” Neymar has no doubts at the squad lists for UEFA Futsal Alcides Magri, his first futsal coach about the virtues of futsal either: EURO 2014 will reveal that several at his local club Gremetal, recalls: “It teaches you how to play in players continue to bring the “Neymar used to play against older tight spaces,” he says. “In Europe, samba sensation across the ocean boys but still had them for dinner. there’s not much space so you from Brazil to make waves as role-

Neymar lis the FIFA Confederations Cup As his coach, my job was to avoid need to think quicker – and futsal model stars in the European game. following Brazil’s triumph last summer standing in his way!” has helped me a lot with that.”

27 McDonald’s ® Proud provider of the Player Escorts

02MCD0292-00_UEFA_Euro Futsal_Ad_297x210.indd 1 19/11/13 15:55 GROUP B RUSSIA/PORTUGAL/NETHERLANDS RUSSIA

CONFIDENCEHIGH Given Russia’sstatusasone of theheavyweights of thefutsal world, it is no surprise that coach Sergei Skorovichisaiminghigh. “Wealwaysplayto winand setmaximum goals forourselves,” he said.One of only twosides to havewon the UEFA European Futsal Championship otherthan Spain,Russia’shighwater mark came in 1999 when thelate greatKonstantin Eremenko led them to thetitle.Theyhavealsocome close twicesince then,losinginthe final to Spain in both 2005 and2012. Indeed, Russia were within aminuteofwinningthe last showpiece against Spain,suggesting thegap is closingonthe perennialchampions. NikolaiPereverzev, AleksandrFukin andthe Brazil-bornGustavo, andEderLimaare thebedrock of ateamthatplays an exciting brandofattackingfutsal, andinvariablytakes thegame to theiropponents.Theyalsocome Qualifying Competition into thetournament with confidencehigh, Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club havingreached thefinalofthe prestigious Goalkeepers GrandPrixinBrazilinOctober, only losing out Gustavo 05/02/1979 3/0 8/0 MFK Dinamo to thehosts on penalties. “Wewerenot in any way worsethanthe best teamsofthe world,” Ivan Poddubny 04/04/1986 3/0 3/0 MFK Dinamo newRussiacaptain Pereverzevdeclared aer Outfield players that tournament.

Sergei Abramov 09/09/1990 0/0 8/1 MFK Sinara Ekaterinburg

Cirilo 20/01/1980 0/0 19/13 MFK Dinamo FIXTURES Eder Lima 29/06/1984 0/0 0/0 TTG-Ugra Yugorsk 28 JANUARYvNETHERLANDS 1FEBRUARYvPORTUGAL Nikita Fakhrutdinov 20/05/1993 0/0 0/0 MFK Sinara Ekaterinburg

Aleksandr Fukin 26/03/1985 1/1 26/7 MFK Dinamo FINALTOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 8 Ivan Milovanov 08/02/1989 0/0 3/0 MFK Tyumen BEST PERFORMANCE Nikolai Pereverzev 15/12/1986 3/0 8/0 MFK Tyumen WINNERS 1999 Pula 02/12/1980 3/5 17/12 MFK Dinamo

Robinho 28/01/1983 3/2 3/2 TTG-Ugra Yugorsk

Sergei Sergeev 28/06/1983 3/1 17/4 MFK Dinamo

Vladislav Shayakhmetov 25/08/1981 0/0 17/14 MFK Dinamo

Nikolai Shisterov 24/07/1991 3/0 3/0 MFK Sinara Ekaterinburg

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 3 PWDLFAPts Coach:SERGEI SKOROVICH Russia 3300132 9 Date of birth: 05/04/1973 Romania 3111854 Skorovich won the UEFAFutsal Cup with MFK Kazakhstan 3111464 Sinara Ekaterinburgin2008 and they reached Latvia* 30032140 *Hosts the final again in 2009, by which time he had been appointed Russia coach in tandem with Russia 5-1Kazakhstan, Latvia 2-6Romania,Romania 1-2Russia, his club position. Skorovich went full-time with Latvia 0-2Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan1-1 Romania,Russia6-0 Latvia Russia at the end of 2011, leading them to the Russia werenarrowly beaten by Spain in the 2012 final UEFAFutsal EURO 2012 final.

29 PORTUGAL

MEASURED AMBITION Portugal havequalified for every majortournament since2002and candrawonthe vast experience of atalented side as they aim to go onebetter than 2010 when they lost to Spain in thefinal. Arnaldo Pereira,Gonçalo, João Benedito, Joel Queirós, Ricardinho and Pedro Costa havemorethan 800capsbetween them,while in Ricardinho they boast oneofthe most skilful playersand most prolificscorers in thegame.A1-1 draw followed byaclose-run 3-1losstoSpain in a pair of friendliesinOctoberoffered further causefor optimism. “Mature” is theword coachJorge Braz uses to describe hisside, and thatcould prove decisive in atoughsection.Havingbowed out to Italyinthe quarter-finals in 2012,Portugal havesome unfinished business to attend to. “Our last EURO ended at thestart of the second stage,thistimewedon’t want to end Qualifying Competition it there,”Brazsaid. “Wehavealot of ambition Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club forthisEURO, butare awareofthe difficulties of theinteresting groupwehavebeendrawn Goalkeepers in.The Netherlands areonceagain emerging AndréSousa 25/02/1986 3/0 6/0 Fundão in European futsal with creativity and an Cristiano 20/08/1979 0/0 5/0 Sporting Clube de Portugal abundanceofindividual quality. Russia arean João Benedito 07/10/1978 3/0 32/0 Sporting Clube de Portugal internationalpower.”

Outfield players

FIXTURES Arnaldo Pereira 16/06/1979 3/0 29/14 FK Nikars Riga 30 JANUARY vNETHERLANDS 01/08/1987 0/0 3/0 SL Benfica 1FEBRUARYvRUSSIA Gonçalo 01/07/1977 2/1 34/16 SL Benfica

FINALTOURNAMENTAPPEARANCES 7 João Matos 21/07/1987 3/1 13/3 Sporting Clube de Portugal Joel Queirós 21/05/1982 3/2 30/21 SL Benfica BEST PERFORMANCE Leitão 03/01/1981 3/2 19/9 Marca Futsal RUNNERSUP2010 12/03/1983 3/1 7/1 Sporting Clube de Portugal

PedroCary 10/05/1984 3/2 14/3 Sporting Clube de Portugal

PedroCosta 18/12/1978 0/0 17/5 Nagoya Oceans

Ricardo Fernandes 20/02/1986 0/0 4/0 SL Benfica

Ricardinho 03/09/1985 3/3 14/11 Interviú Madrid

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 5 Coach:JORGE BRAZ PWDLFAPts Date of birth: 25/08/1972 Portugal 3300134 9 In July 2010, Canadian-born Braz had the tough job Serbia* 3201826 Greece 31025143 of replacing charismatic Orlando Duarte, who had 30035110 been in charge of Portugal forthe previous decade. *Hosts Braz, previously amember of Duarte’s staff,has Portugal 6-1Greece, Serbia 2-0Poland, Poland2-5 Portugal, risen to the challenge, leading Portugal to the UEFA Serbia 5-0Greece, Greece4-3 Poland, Portugal 2-1Serbia Futsal EURO 2012 and 2012 FIFAFutsal World Cup quarter-finals, losing to Italy both times. Portugal impressed in two friendlies against Spain

30 Official programme GROUP B RUSSIA/PORTUGAL/NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS

BACK AT THE TOP TABLE The Netherlands have qualified for the first time since 2005 and did so in dramatic style, Mohamed Attaibi scoring with 88 seconds remaining of their play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina to send them through on the away goals rule. Coach Marcel Loosveld is now eager to make up for lost time. “It was an explosion for us to be here aer such a long time,” Loosveld said. “It would have been nicer for my heart if [the goal] had come earlier, but it was a great atmosphere. We worked hard for that. We’re confident, we’re here, and we’re going to enjoy the tournament.” The Netherlands will be boosted by a large contingent of travelling fans, and their attack- minded approach could bring reason for cheer. Experience comes in the form of captain Samir Makhoukhi and Zaid El Morabiti, who both played in the 2005 finals, while goalkeeper Petrus Grimmelius, Oualid Saadouni, Mohamed Darri, Qualifying Competition Jamal El Ghannouti and Attaibi form the basis of the Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club squad. The Netherlands have a fine pedigree and Goalkeepers reached the inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup final in Petrus Grimmelius 01/09/1987 5/0 8/0 CF Eindhoven 1989. Now back at the top, the aim is to stay there. “It’s not the easiest group, but we’re very happy to Ennes van Maasbommel 28/10/1989 2/0 2/0 AORC/Palestra be back on this stage again,” Loosveld said. “We’ll do Outfield players our utmost to get some results.”

Mohammed Allouch 07/08/1989 2/0 2/0 FCK De Hommel

Mohamed Attaibi 23/10/1987 5/5 10/8 Futsal Topsport Antwerpen FIXTURES Mohamed Darri 11/09/1989 5/1 5/1 Hovocubo 28 JANUARY v RUSSIA 30 JANUARY v PORTUGAL Najib El Allouchi 03/06/1988 2/1 5/1 FCK De Hommel

Jamal El Ghannouti 29/03/1983 5/0 11/5 CF Eindhoven FINALTOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 4 Zaid El Morabiti 04/07/1984 2/1 11/3 AORC/Palestra BEST PERFORMANCE Samir Makhoukhi 01/09/1982 5/2 14/8 FCK De Hommel FOURTH PLACE 1999 Amir Molkârâi 15/05/1987 3/0 3/0 Hovocubo

Karim Mossaoui 27/02/1988 0/0 0/0 TPP Rotterdam

Oualid Saadouni 12/03/1988 5/0 5/0 CF Eindhoven

Yoshua St Juste 23/02/1991 4/2 4/2 Hovocubo

Nigel Wijdenbosch 03/04/1989 0/0 0/0 FC Marlène

See UEFA.com for official squad list Apps = selections for matchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 6 P W D L F A Pts Coach: MARCEL LOOSVELD Czech Republic 3 3 0 0 13 5 9 Date of birth: 04/01/1963 Netherlands* 3 2 0 1 10 9 6 Loosveld scored 16 goals in 34 appearances Georgia 3 1 0 2 9 15 3 for the Netherlands as a player, including the Belarus 3 0 0 3 8 11 0 *Hosts equaliser in the 2-1 defeat by Brazil in the 1989 FIFA Futsal World Cup final. He joined Czech Rep. 4-1 Georgia, Netherlands 2-1 Belarus, Belarus 3-4 Czech Rep., Neth. 7-3 Georgia, Georgia 5-4 Belarus, Czech Rep. 5-1 Neth. the Netherlands’ coaching set-up in 2003 as PLAYOFF assistant to Vic Hermans and succeeded his Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-2 Netherlands, Neth. 2-1 Bos. and Herz. Aggregate 4-4; Netherlands win on away goals Jamal El Ghannouti celebrates qualification former team-mate as senior coach in 2009.

31 TORRAS HUNGRY FORMORE

THESPAIN CAPTAININSISTS UNRIVALLEDSUCCESS HASNOT DIMMED HISSIDE’S AMBITION

t33, Torras has won just about But you have to solve that somehow.Despite all Championship victories have been built on the everything since his modest the titles, we won’t ease off.” foundations of mental strength in extreme Abeginnings at FC Barcelona when Coaches have also changed, José Venancio situations – not least coming back to win the futsal was only asemi-professional López smoothly taking the baton from Javier 2012 final when trailing Russia until 34 seconds limb of the Catalan club. By the time he Lozano. “The team coach,” Torras explains, from the end. “When things aregoing badly I returned to afully professionalised set-up at “has the philosophy of having the same think that we do something extra to face the bad Barça in 2010, he had collected seven items approach to any match, any friendly,official situation. We have the calm and patience to admit of silverwarewith Interviú Madrid, had been match or tournament. And any player who that things aregoing badly at that moment, but aFIFAFutsal World Cup winner in 2004, comes to the national team needs to show [we know] that we will create chances until the and had won three UEFAEuropean Futsal ambition, desireand joy.” Torras had his first very end, and if we work and give everything then Championships. With Barça, he has since added taste of aEURO eight years ago and recalls: we know we can overcome it. That is what has 11 national titles and afourth EURO – the “When Iwas ayoung lad and saw those made us win titles. Maybe without that mentality dramatic victory over Russia in Croatia two experienced players being so ambitious, and calm Spain would not have won. But this years ago. The question is now whether Torras Iasked myself how they could be still so comes also from the Spanish league, the daily and Spain can make it five straight wins. ambitious after having already won so much. training and matches whereyou face difficulties The team he captains has undergone So you pay attention to that, as it surprises like that. The players come into the national team continual transformations. Javi Rodríguez, Kike, you. Yourealise that you would never get well prepared and we arecapable of playing Luis Amado, Julio and the Linares brothers have anywherewithout that ambition and hunger.” different systems and styles. It’s about strategy; taken final bows – but the Spanish ship still sails “I am aveteran now,aleader,” he it’s about free kicks, and then to pressureand ahead of the rest. “You don’t really notice any acknowledges. “It is mostly about helping and attack, and about defence. So many years’work changes of generations in the team,” Torras supporting on and off the pitch. Youneed to pays off in difficult situations.” insists. “The regularity of winning titles has be the calmest one when it comes to facing “If Ilook at the four consecutive EUROs continued and Ithink it will continue foreven decisions and it is about helping all your team- that I’ve won, I’dgive pride of place to the one moreyears. The desiretoachieve them will be mates in things that you have been through – in Portugal, as we really suffered in the semi- there. Youcan win or lose, either can happen. things you have learned from players like Kike, final against Portugal, going 2-0 down. And But one thing is clear: Spain have always had Luis Amado or Julio. You’re leading by helping the one in Croatia was also very important agreat group of players who work very well your team-mates in difficult moments, even in because of the difficulty.For aplayer,this is together.The strength of Spain is that one of training camps or friendly matches whereyou the best competition and, if you’re playing the objectives is to focus on the group rather need to keep up that ambition and hunger to forSpain, thereisextra pressureattached to than the ambition of individuals. Of course there continue winning.” it because we arethe favourites. That’s what areplayers who leave and arehardtoreplace. Many of Spain’s UEFAEuropean Futsal makes it fantastic.”

32 Official programme Torras in action against Italy at UEFAFutsal EURO 2012

“DESPITE ALL THE TITLES, WE WON’T EASE OFF”

TORRAS QUICK FACTS

4 129 11

Torras has won the Torras has made 129 Torras has scored 11 UEFAEuropean Futsal appearances forSpain –the times in 20 appearances Championship with Spain most of any current player at the UEFAEuropean four times –in2005, –and scored 72 goals (as of Futsal Championship 2007, 2010 and 2012; 10 January 2014). Only Kike finals. He also hit four only retired compatriots (180), Luis Amado (179) and on his competition debut Luis Amado and Kike (both Javi Rodríguez (170) have against Finland –a13-0 five) have won more. played more. win –inJanuary 2004.

33 Studio Graphique RTBF - ©Photo Jérôme de Warzee : Renaud Chantrie - ©Photo micro : Cassandre - ©Photo Cactus & fond : IStock - 2013 QUALIFYING STATISTICS

FROM DAVID BOBOKHIDZE’S GOALS FOR GEORGIA TO SPAIN’S NEAR IMPENETRABLE DEFENCE, WE HIGHLIGHT THE STANDOUT NUMBERS FROM QUALIFYING

ualifyingtook place HIGHESTSCORERS matcheswere between Januaryand played to Q October2013over three determinethe 11 ALLTEAMS rounds to determine 80 nationsthatwould DAVIDBOBOKHIDZE(Georgia) 8 make thetripto which11sides wouldjoin hosts ZOLTÁN DRÓTH(Hungary) 8 Antwerp. BelgiumatUEFAFutsalEURO KRISTJAN ČUJEC(Slovenia) 7 2014.Twenty-twonations kicked ZORANBAROVIĆ (Montenegro) 7 off in thepreliminary round, with DARIOMARINOVIĆ (Croatia) 7 sideshave thesix groupwinners advancing SERGIO LOZANO (Spain)6 competedin to themainround.Here, they BOJANBAJOVIĆ (Montenegro) 6 all eightUEFA were joined by the22highest- ANTONIOSMANOS (Greece) 6 ET European Futsal Championship ranked sidesaccordingtoUEFA’s CK 3 final tournaments: coefficient system.The seven QUALIFIED SIDES TI Spain,Russia mainround groupwinners andItaly. DARIOMARINOVIĆ (Croatia)7 advanced to thefinaltournament, SERGIO LOZANO (Spain)6 whilethe sevenrunners-up MIGUELÍN (Spain)5 andthe best third-placedteam PULA (Russia)5 nationsentered entered theplay-offs. The MOHAMED ATTAIBI(Netherlands)5 thecompetition four play-offwinners qualified MARIANȘOTĂRCĂ (Romania)5 forthe first time this campaign: forAntwerp. FLORIN MATEI(Romania)4 4 Gibraltar(UEFA’s GABRIEL LIMA (Italy) 4 newest member ORTIZ(Spain)4 association), (Italy)4 Denmark, Sweden GOALS RAÚL CAMPOS (Spain)4 andWales. SCORED SAAD (Italy) 4 MICHAL SEIDLER (Czech Republic)4 SPAIN28 DMYTRO SOROKIN(Ukraine) 4 MONTENEGRO26 Kristjan Čujec’s FRANKO JELOVČIĆ (Croatia)4 fivegoals in GEORGIA 23 Slovenia’s8-3 ITALY20 victoryagainst UKRAINE20 UkraineinGroup FRANCE 19 MOST ASSISTS 5 7werethe most by an individual GREECE 19 ALLTEAMS player in amatch. SLOVENIA 18 CROATIA17 ADRI (Spain)8 ROMANIA 17 ZORANBAROVIĆ (Montenegro) 6 (Russia)5 SPAINSWEDEN Spain wonbythe SLOBODAN RAJČEVIĆ(Serbia)5 biggest margin JORGEDIAZ(Andorra) 4 in qualifying, FEWEST ROKMORDEJ(Slovenia) 4 defeating Sweden 13-0 in main round CONCEDED Group4. QUALIFIED SIDES SPAIN1 ITALY2ADRI (Spain)8 RUSSIA2ROBINHO (Russia)5

AZERBAIJAN 3 ROKMORDEJ(Slovenia) 4 44 teams, a 3 IGOR OSREDKAR (Slovenia) 3 competition FRANCE 3 (Portugal) 3 record, took part in qualifying LITHUANIA 4 TORRAS (Spain)3 forUEFAFutsal PORTUGAL 4 MOHAMED DARRI(Netherlands)3 EURO 2014. CZECHREPUBLIC 5 EMIL RĂDUCU (Romania)3 44

35 Our philosophy is simple. The more you enjoy doing something, the more you do it. We help you choose the equipment that will give you maximum enjoyment. That is how INTERSPORT brings Sport to the People

Visit us at www.intersport.com GROUP C ITALY/AZERBAIJAN/SLOVENIA ITALY

GREATEXPECTATIONS Italy have set the bar so high in recent seasons that their biggest test, according to coach , is to meet their own exacting standards. Their victory in the 2003 UEFAEuropean Futsal Championship shows the Azzurri’spedigree, and they were unfortunate to bow out in the semi-finals in 2012, losing to eventual winners Spain –who also beat them in the 2007 final –bythe narrowest of margins. “Atthe last EURO we managed to win the bronze medal and at the World Cup we finished third, with only Spain and Brazil in front of us, so we have had apretty positive run,” Menichelli said. “We have to keep up that level, which will probably be the most difficult task, but we are confident about this competition.” Menichelli has rejuvenated asuccessful squad since taking charge in 2009 and in the outstanding Stefano Mammarella –winner of the adidas Golden Glove at the 2012 FIFA Qualifying Competition Futsal World Cup –between the posts, Italy Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club boast one of the best goalkeepers at this Goalkeepers tournament. With the skilful Gabriel Lima as Stefano Mammarella 02/02/1984 3/0 17/1 Marina CSA captain, ablend of veterans including Saad and Fortino, and emerging talents such as Massimo 29/04/1984 0/0 0/0 Real Rieti De Luca and Luca Leggiero, Italy will expect Outfield players another tilt at the title.

Da Silva 27/05/1987 0/0 0/0 Kaos Futsal Bologna

Massimo De Luca 07/10/1987 3/0 3/0 Real Rieti FIXTURES 15/05/1986 3/0 12/2 Luparense C/5 29 JANUARYvSLOVENIA 2FEBRUARYvAZERBAIJAN Fortino 30/04/1983 3/3 11/7 Asti

Daniel Giasson 24/08/1987 2/0 3/0 Pescara FINALTOURNAMENTAPPEARANCES 8 21/07/1983 3/2 8/3 Luparense C/5 BEST PERFORMANCE Luca Leggiero11/11/1984 3/2 3/2 Pescara WINNERS 2003 Gabriel Lima 19/08/1987 3/4 12/7 Asti

Merlim 15/07/1986 1/1 3/1 Luparense C/5

Davide Putano 09/06/1985 2/0 3/0 Luparense C/5

Saad 26/10/1979 3/4 22/14 FC Barcelona

Sergio Romano 28/09/1987 0/0 14/11 Pescara

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 1 PWDLFAPts Coach:ROBERTOMENICHELLI Italy* 3300202 9 Date of birth: 14/01/1963 Hungary 320110146 Menichelli had held anumber of positions at the Finland 31026113 Italian Football Federation since 1996 before Montenegro30034130 *Hosts stepping up to lead the national team in 2009. Capped 28 times by Italy as aplayer,he isalso Hungary 4-3Montenegro,Italy 5-1Finland, Finland2-5 Hungary, Italy6-0 Montenegro,Montenegro 1-3Finland, Hungary1-9 Italy agraduate in mechanical engineering and a teacher at both the Coverciano coaching school in action forItaly and the Foro Italico university in Rome.

37 AZERBAIJAN

POINTTOPROVE Azerbaijanqualifiedfor theirfirstmajor tournament at UEFA Futsal EURO 2010 andmade theirmarkbygetting to thesemi-finals. They also featured last time around andaplace in theknockoutroundsisthe least of theirambitions. “Wefinished fourth in 2010, sothistimeweneed to go onestepfurther,” defenderRizvanFarzaliyev said.“We want to winmedals.” Thesquad remains packed full of experience in what may be thelastUEFAFutsalEUROfor anumberofAzerbaijani veterans. It is also a cohesive unit, withthe majority of theplayers fromclubsideArazNaxçivan. Biro Jade, joint topscorerinthe 2010 finals, turned 41 four daysbeforethistournament started, having scored three timesinqualifying, while Felipe, 35, and 31-year-oldcaptain VitaliyBorisov all bringvaluabletournament know-how with them to Antwerp. Azerbaijanwereinvolvedinone of themost Qualifying Competition incredible matchesinthe competition’shistory Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club when they lost 9-8toSerbiainthe 2012 group stage –the highest-scoring matchinUEFA Goalkeepers Futsal EURO history. Nonetheless, Azerbaijan Laercio Buranello 12/04/1982 3/0 3/0 Araz Naxçivan bowed outwithoutwinningapoint: they will Elnur Zamanov 17/05/1981 3/0 6/0 Ekol Baku be doingeverythingtoprevent historyfrom repeatingitselfthistime. Outfield players

Amadeu 06/03/1990 0/0 0/0 Araz Naxçivan

FIXTURES Augusto 25/02/1980 0/0 0/0 Araz Naxçivan 31 JANUARYvSLOVENIA BiroJade 24/01/1973 4/3 13/13 Araz Naxçivan 2FEBRUARYvITALY Vitaliy Borisov 05/07/1982 3/2 14/9 Araz Naxçivan

FINAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 3 Edu 14/10/1986 6/1 3/0 Araz Naxçivan Rajab Farajzade 19/12/1980 2/0 17/5 Ekol Baku BEST PERFORMANCE Rizvan Farzaliyev 01/09/1979 2/1 18/4 Araz Naxçivan FOURTH PLACE 2010 Felipe 05/10/1978 3/1 13/7 Araz Naxçivan

Elnur Gambarov 13/07/1978 1/0 3/0 Araz Naxçivan

Ilkin Hajiyev 08/01/1983 3/1 5/1 Fenerbagca

Seymur Mammadov 06/05/1983 0/0 0/0 Fenerbagca

Rafael 26/12/1982 0/0 0/0 Araz Naxçivan

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAINROUND GROUP 2 Coach:ALESIO PWDLFAPts Date of birth: 27/09/1968 Azerbaijan 3300113 9 Aer asuccessful playing career in his native Bosnia and Herzegovina 3111107 4 Slovakia* 3111994 Brazil, Spain and Russia, Alesio joined FC Kairat Norway 30033140 Almaty as player-coach in 2007, leading them to *Hosts the Kazakhstan title and the UEFAFutsal Cup finals. In 2008 he took charge of Azerbaijan and Araz Azerbaijan6-0 Norway,Slovakia 4-4 Bosniaand Herzegovina, Bosnia andHerzegovina 2-3Azerbaijan, Slovakia 4-3Norway, Naxçivan, taking the former to UEFAFutsal EURO Norway 0-4 Bosniaand Herzegovina,Azerbaijan2-1 Slovakia 2010 and Araz to UEFAFutsal Cup bronze. Azerbaijan have reached their thirdstraight Futsal EURO

38 Official programme GROUP C ITALY/AZERBAIJAN/SLOVENIA SLOVENIA

GROWINGFORCE Having reached only onefinal tournament priortoUEFAFutsal EURO 2010,Sloveniahavenow qualified for thethird time in succession. They didsoin some stylewithKristjanČujec scoringfive timesinan8-3 winagainst Ukraineinmain round Group7,and they will nowbelooking to advancebeyond thegroup stage forthe first time.Captain Igor Osredkar andfellow playmakerBenjamin Melink arethe lynchpins of Andrej Dobovičnik’s side,withČujec, Alen Fetič, Rok Mordej andGašperVrhovecalso providinggoals andpower. With more than half theteamplaying their club futsal abroad,thissideare no strangers to theinternationalgame,but even so, Dobovičnik believes thechallengeahead is a big one. “Italy areabsolutelythe favouritesin ourgroup,” Dobovičnik said.“Iamconvinced my boys andIwilldothe best we can, andwe Qualifying Competition will trytotakeour chances. We havenever Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club wonapointataEuropean championship Goalkeepers [finaltournament] sowewilltry to make our Alen Mordej 13/03/1990 3/0 4/0 Toulon Tous Ensemble breakthrough. Ourteamisveryyoung,but they’vealready played alot of matchesand I Damir Puškar 03/09/1987 3/0 7/0 FC Litija hope that in thenextthree to four yearsthey Outfield players will show excellentperformancesinEurope.”

Dejan Bizjak 09/09/1990 1/0 3/0 Toulon Tous Ensemble

Kristjan Čujec 20/01/1980 3/7 13/10 New Team FVG FIXTURES Sebastijan Drobne 19/04/1987 3/3 8/4 Melissa FC 29 JANUARY vITALY 31 JANUARY vAZERBAIJAN Alen Fetič 14/10/1991 3/1 8/2 Novo Vrijeme

Uroš Kroflič 02/11/1985 3/0 3/0 KMN Dobovec FINAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 4 Benjamin Melink 15/11/1982 3/3 15/7 C/5 Adriatica BEST PERFORMANCE Rok Mordej 03/03/1989 3/1 11/5 New Team FVG GROUP STAGE 2003,2010,2012 Igor Osredkar 28/06/1986 3/2 9/3 Novo Vrijeme

Gaj Rosič 14/05/1987 3/0 3/0 A. Académica de Coimbra

Tilen Štendler 08/10/1991 3/0 3/0 KMN Puntar

Aleš Vrabel 10/09/1986 0/0 0/0 Toulon Tous Ensemble

Gašper Vrhovec 18/07/1988 3/0 9/3 FC Litija

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 7 PWDLFAPts Coach:ANDREJ DOBOVIČNIK Slovenia 3300188 9 Date of birth: 14/10/1967 Ukraine 320114106 Dobovičnik is an economicsgraduate andworks Turkey* 31029123 foraleading telecommunications firm, but England 30035160 *Hosts hispassion is futsal.Three timesaSlovenian titlewinnerasaplayer, he retired in 2004 Turkey 3-5 Slovenia, Ukraine 7-0 England, Turkey 4-3 England, Slovenia 8-3 Ukraine, England 2-5 Slovenia, Ukraine 4-2 Turkey andbegan hiscoaching careeratEMPelikani beforetakingthe helm of thenationalteamin Slovenia’s Alen Fetič darts between two players November2005.

39 SPAIN’SGOLD STANDARD

sitacoincidence that Spain,world andEuropean champions in the sevenfinals sincethe UEFA European Futsal Championship wasofficially outdoorgame,havebeenadominant forceinfutsal? Theplayers launched in 1999,winning fiveofthem. PlayerssuchasgoalkeeperLuis Imay be different, butthe emphasis on possession,high-speed Amado, theLinaresbrothers–Joanand Andreu –and thecaptain of the passingand exquisite controlintight spaces is absolutelyfamiliar. 2010 and2012champions,JaviRodríguez, havejoinedthe likes of Russia’s Addtothatanaddiction to winningand an unwaveringself-belief and late Konstantin Eremenko andCroatia’sMićoMartićonthe list of legends it is little wonder Europe’s topsides havebeenunabletowrestle the whohavele indeliblemarks on thehistory of this competition.Under titlefrom them in over adecade. “Spain nevergiveup: we alwayswant former coach Javier Lozano andnow José Venancio López, Spain have alittlemore. We alwaysbelieve we cangivealittlemore,”saidKike, stucktoaclearly defined playingphilosophy,despite determined attempts afive-time winner of this competition whohelped Spain lift thetitle by Russia,Ukraineand Italytoknock them off theirperch.The presence of in 2012 beforeretiringlater in theyear. “Victory is so wonderful,you IberianrivalsPortugalinthe 2010 showpiece posted awarning that other alwayswanttorepeatthe feeling.” nationsare readytochallenge theestablished powers and, at theeighth Spain setabenchmark by beatingRussia5-3 in thefinalofUEFA’spilot final tournament –the thirdtoinvolve 12 teams–the big questionis European tournament in Cordobain1996, andtheyhavegracedsix of the whetheranyonecan putanend to Spain’s runoffour straight wins.

40 Official programme COMPETITION HISTORY

ROLL OF HONOUR

1999 RUSSIA José Venancio López’steamthen HostsSpain came backfrom 2-1 posted a3-1 winagainst Italy, and3-2 down in Granadatoforce whoseconsolation goal allowed extratime, butaera3-3 draw, AlexandreFellertobecome the Russia’sherowas goalkeeper Oleg first goalkeeper to scoreinafinal. Denissov, whosaved twopenalties to winhis side theshoot-out4-2. 2010 SPAIN Aergoing 3-0downinatense 2001 SPAIN final in Debrecen,Portugalhit Having avenged their1999 backwithtwo late goalsin39 heartbreak by beatingRussiain seconds, only forSpain to clinch Moscow in thesemi-finals,Spain ahat-trick of titles,withagoal forced extratimeagainst Ukraine by Daniel in thefinalminute in thefinalaerfallingbehind. Four rounding off a4-2 win. minutes in,JaviSánchez’s golden With fivetitlesalready to theirname, La Roja goal wonthemtheir first title2-1. 2012 SPAIN continue to providethe benchmark in Europe AnotherHoudini actfor Spain in 2003 ITALY made it fivetitles. One-nil In theonlyfinalnot to feature down to Russia until34seconds Spain,Italy brokethe host nation from theend,JoséVenancio jinx against Ukrainethanksto López’steamconjured an Vinicius Bacaro’ssolitarygoalin equaliser by Sergio Lozano andhit frontof6,000 in Caserta. Ukraine, theshell-shocked Russians twicein theonlyfinalistsnot to score, extratimetoclinch a3-1 victory. claimed silver again.

2005 SPAIN Despite losing 3-1toItaly in thegroup stage –theyhaven’t lost amatch in this competition since–world champions Spain stifled oldrivalsRussiaexpertly in thedecider.The 2-1scoreline, with goalsfrom Andreu Linares andAlbertoCogorro, scarcely reflected acomfortable winfor Javier Lozano’s men.

2007 SPAIN Spain looked down andout when trailing hostsPortugal2-0 with Sergio Lozano takes on Dmitri Prudnikov 5:49 to play in thesemi-final, only Russia (top) werethe first champions. in the 2012 final to fight backand winonpenalties. Italy (below) lifted the trophy in 2003

41

NUMBERSGAME

THE PLAYERS, TEAMS AND MATCHES THATHAVE LEFT THEIR MARK ON THE UEFAEUROPEAN FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL TOURNAMENTS LEADINGSCORERS FINAL THEFINALS TOURNAMENT DANIEL (Spain)16 2012 SERHIY KORIDZE(Ukraine) 15 RECORDS SPAIN 3-1 RUSSIA JAVI RODRÍGUEZ (Spain)13 (after extra time) KONSTANTIN EREMENKO (Russia) 12 PLAYER Zagreb, Croatia ADRIANO FOGLIA(Italy) 11 YOUNGEST OLDEST FERNANDOGRANA (Italy)11 2010 TORRAS (Spain)11 SPAIN 4-2 PORTUGAL GONÇALO(Portugal)10 Debrecen, Hungary 18 44 9-1 MOST 2007 The biggest victory in SPAIN 3-1 ITALY APPEARANCES afinal tournament, by Porto, Portugal LUIS AMADO(Spain) 33 CRISTIAN ANDREY Spain against Belarus in Debrecen in 2010. KIKE (Spain)29 RIZZO TVERYANKIN 18 years 355 days 44 years 334 days 2005 DANIEL (Spain)24 Italy vUkraine, Azerbaijan v SPAIN 2-1 RUSSIA JULIO(Spain) 22 23/01/2010 Serbia, 03/02/2012 Ostrava, Czech Republic SERGEI ZUEV (Russia) 21 JAVI RODRÍGUEZ (Spain)20 76.5 GOALSCORER 2003 TORRAS (Spain)20 Spain’s winning ITALY1-0 UKRAINE Appearance=selection formatchday squad YOUNGEST OLDEST percentage in final Caserta, Italy tournaments. The five-time champions TOPSCORERS BY have lost just twice 2001 TOURNAMENT (excluding penalty SPAIN 2-1 UKRAINE 19 36 shoot-outs) –both (golden goal) times to Italy.They 2012 DARIOMARINOVIĆ (Croatia) 5 have failed to win Moscow,Russia TORRAS (Spain)5 just eight times in 34 2010 BIRO JADE (Azerbaijan) 5 ADRIANO MIĆO matches and have not 1999 been beaten in normal JOEL QUEIRÓS(Portugal)5 FOGLIA MARTIĆ RUSSIA 3-3 SPAIN 19 years 303 days 36 years 364 days time since losing to JAVI RODRÍGUEZ (Spain)5 (Russia win 4-2 on pens) Italy vRussia, Croatia vPoland, Italy 3-1 in the 2005 SAAD (Italy)5 22/02/2001 22/02/2001 group stage. Granada, Spain 2007 CIRILO(Russia) 5 DANIEL (Spain)5 PREDRAGRAJIĆ (Serbia) 5 2005 NANDOGRANA (Italy)6 47 2003 SERHIY KORIDZE(Ukraine) 7 14,300 2001 SERHIY KORIDZE (Ukraine) 7 Including qualifying Luis Amado holds 1999 KONSTANTIN EREMENKO (Russia) 11 the recordfor most 5 appearances in the Arecordcrowd of 14,300 sawRussiabeat UEFAEuropean Futsal Croatia 4-2inthe UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 TEAM Championship with 47. semi-finalinZagreb. Serhiy Koridze’s APPEARANCES five-goal haul for 8ITALY, RUSSIA, SPAIN Ukraineagainst Secondsit 7CZECH REPUBLIC,PORTUGAL, Portugal in 2003 was took Felipe thehighest totalbya UKRAINE to scorethe singleplayerinafinal fastestgoalin 4BELGIUM, CROATIA, tournament match. aUEFAFutsal NETHERLANDS, SLOVENIA, EURO final 17 YUGOSLAVIA/SERBIA Koridzealsoholds the tournament, recordfor most goals 8 forAzerbaijan 3AZERBAIJAN, ROMANIA scored overall in the in their 9-8win That match also produced 2HUNGARY competition including against Serbia the most goals of any game 1BELARUS,POLAND,TURKEY qualifying,with39. in 2012. in afinal tournament.

43

GROUP D SPAIN/CZECHREPUBLIC/CROATIA SPAIN

TOPOFTHEIR GAME Spain areEurope’s dominant futsal power and areaiming fortheir fih straight UEFAEuropean Futsal Championship title and sixth overall. They needed extra time to defeat Russia in the 2012 final, but José Venancio López’sside remain the team to beat, even aer the retirements of “living legends”–inthe words of coach Venancio López –Kike and goalkeeper Luis Amado. The foundation of the 2012 team, which includes Jordi Torras, Ortiz, Aicardo and Miguelín, is bolstered by newcomers Raúl Campos and José Ruiz, and their coach predicts further success. “Therecomes atime foreveryone when you have to make way foryoung players,” he said. “Wehave young players with alot of ambition and desire. In that sense we can be relaxed, because the futurelooks bright in terms of the competitive level of this team.” Spain have vied with Brazil forthe title of world’sbest formorethan adecade, and won Qualifying Competition the FIFAFutsal World Cup in 2000 and 2004, Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club breaking Brazil’sstranglehold on the trophy. Goalkeepers They only lost the next two finals to the South Jesús Herrero04/11/1986 0/0 0/0 Interviú Madrid American side on penalties (2008) and aer extra time (2012) and have not been beaten over 40 19/08/1985 3/0 21/0 Lobelle de Santiago minutes in acompetitive game since losing 3-1 Rafa 13/06/1980 3/0 10/0 Murcia FS to Italy in the 2005 European group stage.

Outfield players

Aicardo 04/12/1988 0/0 5/4 FC Barcelona FIXTURES 29 JANUARY vCROATIA Fernandão 16/08/1980 3/1 12/9 FC Barcelona 2FEBRUARYvCZECH REPUBLIC José Ruiz 06/06/1983 3/3 6/6 Murcia FS FINALTOURNAMENTAPPEARANCES 8 Lin 16/05/1986 3/1 18/7 FC Barcelona BEST PERFORMANCE Miguelín 09/05/1985 1/5 8/7 Murcia FS WINNERS2001, 2005, 2007,2010, 2012 Ortiz 03/10/1983 3/4 24/11 Interviú Madrid Spain also won the UEFAEuropean Futsal Tournament in 1996, the forerunner to the UEFAEuropean Futsal Championship Pola 26/06/1988 3/1 5/2 Interviú Madrid

Rafa Usín 22/05/1987 3/1 11/5 Navarra FS

Raúl Campos 17/12/1987 3/4 3/4 Murcia FS

Sergio Lozano 09/11/1988 1/6 8/8 FC Barcelona

Torras 24/09/1980 3/1 35/19 FC Barcelona

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP4 PWDLFAPts Coach:JOSÉ VENANCIO LÓPEZ Spain*3300281 9 Date of birth: 27/06/1964 Croatia320110126 Venancio López made his name as coach of FYROM31027103 Caja Segovia FS, winning the domestic treble of Sweden30032240 *Hosts league, Spanish Cup and Super Cup in 1998/99. He was appointed Spain coach in September Croatia 7-0Sweden, Spain 5-1FYROM,FYROM 2-3Croatia, 2007 and has proved aworthy successor to Spain 13-0 Sweden, Sweden2-4 FYROM, Croatia0-10Spain Javier Lozano, winning three UEFAFutsal EUROs Miguelín (15) celebrates scoring in the 2012 tournament and reaching two FIFAFutsal World Cup finals.

45 CZECHREPUBLIC

RISING TO THECHALLENGE Czech Republic coach Tomáš Neumann is in no doubt about the challenge his side face in Antwerp. “The group is very,very hard,” he said. “Croatia areavery tough team, and Ihave no words to describe Spain, they arethe favourites.” As hosts, Croatia defeated the Czech Republic in a5-4 thriller in 2012, and Neumann will be hoping the spine of that side can benefit from the experience and turn the tables this time around. Lukáš Rešetár and brothers Roman and Michal Mareš remain integral to the team, whose strength is based on agreat spirit, discipline and the teamwork and understanding gained from the same group playing together foraconsiderable period of time. Neumann is also introducing anew generation, with the likes of Michal Seidler and Matĕj Slováček giving the side fresh impetus. The 2001 UEFAEuropean Futsal Championship was the first major tournament Qualifying Competition the Czech Republic qualified for, but they have Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club reached every European championship final tournament and FIFAFutsal World Cup since. Goalkeepers “Our best success was in 2010 in Hungary when Libor Gerčák 22/07/1975 3/1 14/1 1. FC Nejzbach Vysoké Mýto we won the bronze medal, and it would be nice to David Šimon 14/06/1975 0/0 0/0 Helas Brno repeat that,” said Neumann, whose side breezed through qualifying without dropping apoint. Outfield players

Michal Belej 16/11/1982 3/1 13/6 Tango Brno

FIXTURES Michal Holý 29/05/1990 0/0 0/0 Teplice 31 JANUARY vCROATIA Jan Janovský 20/06/1985 2/0 19/1 RekordBielsko-Biala 2FEBRUARYvSPAIN Michal Kovács 17/04/1990 0/0 0/0 Tango Brno

FINALTOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 7 Michal Mareš 03/02/1976 3/1 31/12 FK EP Chrudim Roman Mareš 15/03/1975 3/1 26/22 FK EP Chrudim BEST PERFORMANCE Jiří Novotný 12/07/1988 3/0 13/1 FC Bohemians 1905 Praha THIRDPLACE 2010 Lukáš Rešetár 28/04/1984 3/2 22/10 FK EP Chrudim

Marcel Rodek 07/11/1988 0/0 0/0 FC Benago

Michal Seidler 05/04/1990 2/4 5/5 Tango Brno

Zdenĕk Sláma 28/12/1982 1/0 22/3 Teplice

Matĕj Slováček 08/10/1990 3/1 3/1 FK EP Chrudim

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 6 Coach:TOMÁŠ NEUMANN PWDLFAPts Date of birth: 22/09/1970 Czech Republic 3300135 9 Named Czech futsal player of the century in 1999, Netherlands* 3201109 6 Georgia 31029153 Neumann struck 288 goals in 195 domestic games Belarus 30038110 forFKViktoria Žižkov,and 26 in 46 international *Hosts appearances. He succeeded Michal Stříž as coach aer the 2005 UEFAEuropean Futsal Championship CzechRepublic4-1 Georgia, Netherlands 2-1Belarus,Belarus 3-4 CzechRepublic, Netherlands 7-3Georgia,Georgia 5-4Belarus, finals and has since established the Czech Republic Czech Republic 5-1Netherlands at the forefront of international futsal. The Czech Republic have reached the last six Futsal EUROs

46 Official programme GROUP D SPAIN/CZECHREPUBLIC/CROATIA CROATIA

“BACKWHERE WE BELONG” Aer impressing on home soil in 2012, Croatia have carried that momentum through to this tournament, successfully negotiating qualification, via the play-offs, for the first time since 2001. Therewas, however, a reality check on the way to Antwerp in the form of a10-0 loss to Spain, and coach Mato Stanković could be forgiven forcursing his luck aer his side weredrawn against the champions again here. Much will depend on how Croatia fareagainst their other Group Dopponents –the Czech Republic –who they beat in the group stage at UEFAFutsal EURO 2012. “That match will be crucial,” Stanković said. “Spain arethe most difficult opponent we could get, but we will try to win aplace in the next round against the Czech Republic. The most important thing is that we are at the EURO –wherewebelong.” Croatia continue to grow as ateam, led by experienced goalkeeper and captain Ivo Jukić Qualifying Competition and defenders Jakov Grcić and Tihomir Novak. Date of birth Apps/Goals Apps/Goals Club In attack, the youthful Franko Jelovčić, 22, and Goalkeepers Dario Marinović, 23, provide the goals. The latter Ivo Jukić 13/04/1986 5/0 14/0 FK Nikars Riga scored five times at UEFAFutsal EURO 2012 and top-scored forCroatia with seven in qualifying. Marin Stojkić 30/09/1984 5/0 10/0 Murter He and Jelovčić hit three goals apiece in the 7-1 Outfield players aggregate play-off victory against Slovakia.

Saša Babić 04/08/1989 5/1 10/1 Novo Vrijeme

Matija Capar 20/10/1984 2/0 6/0 Alumnus FIXTURES Gordan Duvančić 12/09/1987 0/0 0/0 Skripta Osijek 29 JANUARY vSPAIN 31 JANUARY vCZECH REPUBLIC Kristijan Grbeša 17/01/1990 5/1 5/1 Alumnus

Jakov Grcić 12/04/1983 5/2 13/5 Novo Vrijeme FINALTOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 4 Franko Jelovčić 06/07/1991 5/4 10/4 MNK Split BEST PERFORMANCE Dario Marinović 24/05/1990 5/7 13/12 Al Yarmouk FOURTH PLACE2012 Vedran Matošević 27/08/1990 1/0 3/0 Alumnus

Tihomir Novak 24/10/1986 5/2 13/5 Asti

Nikola Pavić 10/08/1990 3/0 3/0 FC Arena

Alen Protega 05/03/1987 5/0 5/0 MNK Split

Josip Suton 14/11/1988 0/0 5/0 MNK Split

See UEFA.com forofficial squad list Apps =selections formatchday squad QUALIFYING

MAIN ROUND GROUP 4 PWDLFAPts Coach:MATO STANKOVIĆ Spain* 3300281 9 Date of born: 28/09/1970 Croatia 320110126 Highly successful as coach of MNK Split, Stanković FYROM 31027103 moved into international futsal in 2006, winning Sweden 30032240 *Hosts the Arab Futsal Championship with Libya twice as well as the African Futsal Championship, and Croatia 7-0Sweden, Spain 5-1FYROM,FYROM 2-3Croatia, taking them to the 2008 FIFAFutsal World Cup. Spain 13-0 Sweden, Sweden2-4 FYROM, Croatia0-10Spain PLAYOFF He took charge of Croatia in 2010, steering them Slovakia 1-3Croatia,Croatia 4-0Slovakia Dario Marinović scored three times in the play-offs to the UEFAFutsal EURO 2012 semi-finals. Croatia win7-1 on aggregate

47 www.topsportvlaanderen.be FLASHBACK

RIDING HIGH

Croatia’splayersjump forjoy as ValeriyLegchanov’spenalty shoot-out miss forUkrainesends thehosts into thesemi-final of UEFA Futsal EURO 2012.The tournament in Zagreb andSplit waswatched by recordcrowds,withacompetitionhighof14,300seeingthe home side fall at thenexthurdle, losing 4-2toRussiainZagreb.

49 fietsen basketbal

Emlyn Goyvaerts

Is een echte sportman. Jef Haesen Houdt van zwemmen, duiken, netbal en vooral Houdt van fietsen en van basketbal. basketbal en geeft zwemles. Hoopt te kunnen Doet graag waar hij zin in heeft. ‘dunken’ als hij twee En wil in alles de beste zijn. meter is.

Provincie Antwerpen, hockey een hart voor

Martijn Van Genechten

Is in de ban van hockey en speelt ook nog basketbal en tennis. Hij geniet van sport en sport koestert de leuke momenten met zijn vrienden.

badminton tennis

Martine De Weerdt Annick Sevenans Verlegt graag grenzen: zwemt, skiet, speelt handbal en badminton, Nam deel aan tal van Grand Slams, rijdt paard, doet aan Zumba en de Masters en twee Paralympische Spelen. rijdt met de handbike. Jarenlang Belgisch kampioene rolstoeltennis.

voetbal gym

Rob Nicasi Kathleen Jennes Is een echte voetbalfanaat. Houdt van triatlon en is een Kan niet stilzitten. fervent wielrenner. Doet aan gymnastiek, Zijn grote droom is deelname tennist, zwemt en danst. aan de Paralympische Spelen De trampoline is haar van Rio 2016. echte grote liefde!

Sporten met een handicap? Het kan! Check de website www.gsport.be

Autonoom Provinciebedrijf Sport (APB Sport) Boomgaardstraat 22 b1 | 2600 Antwerpen T 03 240 62 70 | F 03 240 62 99

A4 Advertentie algemeen.indd 5 22/07/2013 17:17:14 Proceskleur CyaanProceskleur MagentaProceskleur GeelProceskleur Zwart TRAVEL

APOCKETGUIDETOBELGIUM’S SECOND CITY ANTWERP

lose to theDutch border, AntwerpisBelgium’s second largest city to Antwerp’snow defunct local rivals,BeerschotAC. Very much agoing after thecapital,Brussels,withapopulation of over 500,000.The concern, Futsal Topsport Antwerpenare now oneofBelgium’s topfutsal 2013 European CapitalofSport,the port staged the1920Olympic sides, winningnationaltitlesin2006/07 and2011/12. CGames, andits historyasamajortrading andculturalhub extends back to Gallo-Roman times, whichmeans thereisplentyfor visitors to see at FLEMISHMASTERS UEFA Futsal EURO 2014. ThestatelyRoyal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerpcontainsworks by many of Europe’s topartists,including acoupleoflocals. AnthonyVan Dyck wasborn BRABOSTATUE in Antwerpin1599but made hisname as apainter in England, specialising Thestatueinthe GroteMarkt (above), in front of Antwerp’scityhall in in royalportraits. Peter Paul Rubens (born1577) came to Antwerpfrom thepicturesque oldtown, depicts ascene fromthe legend of thecity’s , butmade thecityhis home;his house is now amuseum, while his foundation, with SilviusBrabo throwing thehandofthe giantDruon Antigoon worksare in theCathedral of OurLady–and histomb is in St James’ Church. into theriver Scheldt. TheRoman soldierhad stood up to thegiant,who had severed thehands of citizens whofailedtopay histoll forcrossingthe bridge DRESSED FORSUCCESS over theriver,and some claim thecity’sname comesfromthislegend – TherenownedDries VanNoten,Ann Demeulemeester,Walter Van “hand werpen”means “thrownhand” in oldDutch. Beirendonck andDirkBikkembergswereamong the‘Antwerp6’, whoput thecityonthe internationalfashionmap in the1980s, with thelikes of Raf THE‘GREATOLD’ Simons andMartinMargielafurther cementingAntwerp’s statusasamajor R. AntwerpFCwas foundedbyEnglishstudentsin1880, making it theoldest stylecentre. Theirworkand more is on offer in thecity’simpeccablyturned footballclubinBelgium –hence theirnickname,the ‘Great Old’.Antwerp won out fashiondistrict,withthe MoMu stylemuseumalsohome to theRoyal themostrecentoftheir four national titles in 1957,but reached thefinalof Academy of Fine Arts’celebratedfashiondepartment. the1992/93 UEFA CupWinners’Cup,losing3-1 to ParmaFCatWembley. TheirBosuilstadion –inthe Deurne district –alsostaged amatchatthe 1972 TRADINGPLACE UEFA European Championship andthe second legofthe 1964 European Cup Alocal saying goes:“TheScheldtriver owesits existencetoGod,Antwerp Winners’ Cupfinal. owesits existencetothe Scheldtriver”. Thecitywas at varioustimes themainhub of theinternationalpepper, sugar, silver andmostrecently SPORTING HERITAGE diamond trades, with Antwerp’sdocks crucialtothose commercial TheonlyBelgian city to stage theOlympic Games, Antwerp’smainvenuefor successes. Acruiseupthe riverScheldtwillshow thesheersizeofthe city’s the1920event stillstands, thoughthe Olympisch Stadion–about4.5km maritime presence,while theMAS andRed Star Line museumscelebrate its south of thecitycentre–ismuchchanged since, havingrecentlybeenhome navalhistory.

51 FUBEGINNETSR’SGUIALDE TO

ITALYCAPTAIN GABRIEL LIMA GIVES AN INSIDER’S VIEW ON THE GAME

THEPLAYER BALL CONTROL three playersmovingaroundand onemore “A futsal player hastothinkmorequickly than “The ball is almost alwaysonthe ground,you stableinattack,or4-0,thoughteams often an 11-a-sidefootballer.You havetoknow what touchitmoreoften[than in football]and your change theirsystemduringasinglegame.When to do with theball even beforeyou receive it,as technique mustbeperfect. Physical poweris your opponents presshigh, everythingiseasier thereisgreat pressure andnospace. In football notasimportantasinfootball,but technique if youhaveapivot [inattack]who canholdthe youhavemore time because in general there is crucial. Thesoleofthe foot is used alot ball andallow others to breathe. Many coaches is morespacebetween youand your closest because youdon’t have much space with the stillprefer to useapivot because they feel more opponent. Thereisalsoadifference in termsof ball.Infootball youcan controlthe ball with the securewiththatsystem: it’s notalwayseasy dynamism.Infutsalyou neverstop, either with side of your foot andevenifyou lose control to findfour dynamicplayers whocan play the your brain or your legs.Inmanysportsyou can forawhile,you canget it back. In futsal your ball well withoutlosingpossessionindangerous thinkand then execute, in futsal youdothem opponentisuponyou immediatelyifyour positions. In amatch therecan be moments at thesame time.What makesateamagreat controlisnot perfect. Youuse thesoletomake when it’s difficulttomakethree or four passesin team is theability to know whereand when your sure theball is alwaysclose to you. Regarding succession–everythingbecomeseasierwitha team-matewillgiveyou theball andwhatto shooting,the ball travelsstraighter andmore pivot andyou just trytoreach him.” do with it withouteventhinking.Everythingis predictablythanafootball.The toe-poke is very registered in your memory.” important, especiallywhenyou want to surprise FLYING GOALKEEPER agoalkeeper.” “The flyinggoalkeeperisanextra weapon, SKILL whichensures futsal gamesare exciting and “Technique is themostimportantaspectof ON THEBREAK openuntil thefinalwhistle.You havenobody in thegame.The movementsare completely “Mostofthe goals scored in futsal come from goal butifyou keep theball well,you havemore different from thoseinfootball so youdon’t transitions. It’s acrucial aspectofthe game both optionsfor passesand everythingbecomes reallyunderstand them unless youhaveworked in defending andattackingand if youknow how moredifficult foryour opponents.It’sacommon on them sinceyou were very young. It’s difficult to do them properly, youcan decideagame. tactic when ateamisbehind, butnot only to teachhow to read thegame and howto When youattack it’s importanttoplaythe ball then –whenyou reach fivefouls andwantto move correctlyonthe pitchwhenyou arean quicklytoopenupthe opponents’defence.Ifyou eatupsome time with possession, or youwant adult. Everyplayerlovesshowing off apiece keep theball toolongyou give them thechance morepossessionbecause youdon’t have many of individual skill –anutmeg or asombrero.It to come backand reorganise.” substitutesonthe bench.The main qualitiesof pumpsyou up,itgives youmoreconfidence and aflying goalkeeper aregoodpassing abilityand makesyou want theball again to trysomething FORMATIONS calmness. Youhavealot of responsibility on even moredifficult.The quickpassiscrucial “Being an extremelydynamic sport, modern your shoulders, andyou should only take risks –the pass that splitsthe backlineisthe most futsal requires playerswho canplayavariety of when youare almost sure of doingthe right dangerousthingfor anydefence in theworld.” roles. Normallythe playingsystemis3-1,with thing. Youcannot expose your team.”

52 Official programme FACT FILE

GABRIEL LIMA Born:19/08/1987 Club:Asti Italydebut: 23/09/09 vJapan Italyappearances 67 Italygoals:33

“It’s always very satisfying to measureourselves against the best teams on the continent. We haven’t set ourselves atarget –our first objective is to win the first game, which is always tough and can be decisive. Our main strength is the group and the variety of players we have in the squad: we have several different options and playing systems. Spain arealways the favourites, and Russia cannot be underestimated either.We and Portugal may also have a say,but we must be prepared fortough battles against the other teams as well.”

53 RULES OF THE GAME

THE BASICS TO UNDERSTANDING FUTSAL

TEAMS keeper has the ball, referees raise one man short for two minutes, but Futsal is a five-a-side game, but their arms and count down with if they concede during that time each squad at UEFA Futsal EURO their fingers the four seconds the they return to five players. 2014 consists of 14 players, player has to get the ball into play. with nine substitutes available THE FLYING per match. REFEREES GOALKEEPER Three officials enforce the rules An outfield player can come on SUBSTITUTIONS in each game – one on each and off as a substitute for the Substitutions are unlimited and touchline and one to liaise with the goalkeeper, but the referee has can take place at any time during timekeeper to control fouls and to make sure that the flying play, provided a player does not time-outs. Officials communicate goalkeeper is wearing a keeper’s go on before his team-mate has their calls with a series of jersey with his number – and that come off and enters from the choreographed signals. all the team’s keepers wear the WIN A zone marked in front of each same colours. bench. Players can be changed ACCUMULATED FOULS MATCH BALL individually or as a group. As of the sixth foul committed KICK-IN by a team, their opponents get a Play is restarted with a kick-in if the The ball shapes the game. With a REAL TIME free shot at goal from the second ball crosses the touchline or hits circumference of 62-64cm, the A UEFA Futsal EURO match penalty mark, 10m out from the the roof. Goals cannot be scored futsal ball is about 10% smaller consists of two 20-minute halves, goal. If the foul is closer to the goal, directly from a kick-in. Players have than an outdoor ball but the weight with a timekeeper stopping it can be taken from where the four seconds to restart play from a (400–440g) is about the same and so the clock each time the whistle infringement took place. kick-in or free-kick. is the pressure. When dropped from is blown. If the quarter-finals, 2m, the bounce must be between semi-finals or final are drawn, two CARDS TIME-OUT only 50 and 65cm. It means that five-minute periods of extra time Players are sent off for two yellow Coaches can call a 60-second headers are rarities, that passes need are played, followed by a penalty cards or a direct red and can time-out during each half, to be fast and firmly struck to avoid shoot-out if the scores are still play no further part. Following a but there are no time-outs interceptions, the first touch needs to level. At set plays or when the dismissal, the penalised team plays in extra time. be top-class, shots tend to fly straight rather than swerve or dip and that keepers – most of whom choose not to wear gloves – need strong hands UEFA FUTSAL EURO 2014 REFEREES and wrists.

For a chance to win an official GERALD BAUERNFEIND BALÁZS FARKAS PASCAL LEMAL BORUT ŠIVIC adidas 2014 UEFA Futsal EURO Hungary Belgium Slovenia tournament ball, keep your eyes MARC BIRKETT EDUARDO COELHO ALESSANDRO MALFER BOGDAN SORESCU England Portugal Italy Romania on the @UEFAcom Twitter account ONDŘEJ ČERNÝ FERNANDO GUTIÉRREZ TIMO ONATSU SEBASTIAN STAWICKI on the day of the final (8 February). Czech Republic LUMBRERASSpain Finland Poland As well as details of how to enter KAMIL ÇETIN OLEG IVANOV IVAN SHABANOV SAŠA TOMIĆ the competition, @UEFAcom has Turkey Ukraine Russia Croatia all the latest news throughout the tournament.

54 Official programme