Slemzin ready to win for Russia fans
Saturday 13 December 2008
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Russia goalkeeper Sergei Slemzin (©sportsfile)
Russia goalkeeper Sergei Slemzin has vowed to help the hosts win the UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament on Sunday for the fans that have supported them throughout this week's finals.
Backing
Crowds have been growing with each of Russia's fixtures, and so has the volume of support for the home nation, all of whose games have been tense and dramatic − they scored in the dying seconds to hold Croatia and beat Slovenia, finished 2-2 against Italy to top Group A and ousted neighbours Ukraine 1-0 in the semi-finals. Italy are again the opposition on Sunday afternoon and Slemzin, consistently impressive this week and buoyed by "Slemzin, Slemzin" chants from behind his goal, is aiming to reward that backing.
'Extra determination'
"You can see for yourself," the MFK Spartak Ruza goalkeeper said. "The Yubileyny Sports Palace is almost full during our matches, there are many fans, and they motivate us really well. We have extra determination thanks to them. The local people create emotions, and we'll play to win for them."
Final passion
The hosts led twice in their previous meeting with Italy, but both teams knew a draw would ensure mutual progress and the situation is very different on Sunday. "I think that our match at the group stage didn't show anything," Slemzin said. "We did not show our trump cards to each other. It wasn't a really spectacle, both teams were thinking about the score too much, as both wanted to get into the semi-finals. It will be a lot more passionate on Sunday. I hope that there will be no empty seats."
Italy strength
While Russia dominated their semi-final, the Azzurrini – who also won 1-0 against Spain – were happy to soak up pressure from their hotly-tipped opponents. Slemzin is expecting something similar in the final. "Italy gave away the initiative in their semi-final against Spain and stayed tight to their opponents all the time," he said. "Their game is always defensive. I don't want to highlight any players in their team, as they are strong as a unit."
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