Russia and Italy set for futsal U21 final
Sunday 14 December 2008
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The award that either Russia or Italy will receive on Sunday afternoon (©sportsfile)
The dominant nation in the sport may be absent from Sunday's inaugural UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament final but hosts Russia and Italy ensure two other traditional powers will compete to win the first edition at the Yubileyny Sports Palace in St Petersburg.
History makers
Spain have won four of the six UEFA European competitions at senior level but their bid for the inaugural U21 crown was ended at the semi-final stage by Italy. But, like Russia, they have one senior European title to their name and from the evidence so far this week in St Petersburg it is anyone's guess who will pick up the U21 honour.
'Different game'
These sides drew 2-2 in Group A on Thursday to ensure progress to the last four but for Italy coach Paolo Minicucci that is of little consequence. "These two games are hard to compare," he said. "The goal in the first match was to make it into the semi-finals, whereas here in the final the psychological aspect is important. Russia get a lot of support and emotionally it is going to be a different game."
Ready and able
Minicucci has shown a propensity to change his team so far in the tournament and would not be drawn on who would take part the final. "All of my players are ready and our selection will be based not on who is better or worse but on what my tactics are," he said.
Full strength
Viktor Senatov played for Russia in the draw with the Azzurrini when the hosts were without the services of the suspended Ildar Nugumanov because of his dismissal against Slovenia on Matchday 2. The MFK Tyumen player was also banned for the 1-0 semi-final defeat of Ukraine but is back on Sunday, to his squad-mate's relief. "We'll have our best lineup," said Senatov, who helped Russia beat Spain 5-0 at the Yubileyny Sports Palace to win the annual St Petersburg U21 friendly tournament in December 2006 but lost at that stage on penalties to the same opponents a year later. "For many of us it will be our last final with the U21 side so we'll give all we can to earn a victory," he added.
Doubters
Russia struck in the final seconds to earn a 3-3 draw with Croatia and then overcome Slovenia 4-3 in their first two games, but Senatov does not feel they have lived a charmed life. "Some people think that we were lucky to make it through to the semi-finals," he said. "Maybe there was a bit of luck but we deserve to be in the final and that we are shows we are one of the best two teams here."
*The two referees for the final will be Danijel Janošević of Croatia and Slovenian official Borut Šivic. Stephan Kammerer of Germany is the third official and the timekeeper is Abdallah Benazzi from the Netherlands.
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