Petrov relieved as spirit shines through
Monday 15 December 2008
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Aleksei Petrov (right) celebrates victory with Ivan Milovanov (©sportsfile)
Moments after his side's dramatic victory in the UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament final, Russia's Aleksei Petrov admitted that at one point he had started to think that they were heading for defeat during a tumultuous game.
'Didn't give up'
The hosts led 2-0 at half-time in St Petersburg but Italy came back to level and force an extra ten minutes. In the first additional period Russia went back in front before conceding twice in 22 seconds, though they were to equalise and prevail 5-4. Petrov told uefa.com: "When Italy took the lead in the first period of extra time, I had thoughts that we would not win. But we didn't give up. I believed in the lads and believed in myself."
Dramatic scenes
Petrov looked back over an extraordinary conclusion to the first competition at this level. "It was a very tough game," he said. "It was like a swing – we were leading 2-0, but in the second half made two silly mistakes and conceded two goals. In extra time our opponents suddenly went in front but we are Russians; we always fight until the end and that's why we earned victory. However, we barely held out in the final moments."
Such support means a lot, it's an obvious advantage, and I think that we won because of that
Aleksei Petrov
Fans' favourite
FC Spartak Ruza player Petrov proved a favourite of the Yubileyny Sports Palace crowd this week, a memorable experience for the 21-year-old. "I'd really like to hope that the fans supported me personally because of my fighting spirit and charismatic character," he said. "But to tell the truth, I don't care why they did – it's very pleasant anyway and I want to thank them. Such support means a lot, it's an obvious advantage, and I think that we won because of that."
Next goal
His time with the U21 side is at an end and now Petrov has the daunting task of trying to earn a place in the senior Russia squad, semi-finalists in the 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship and 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup. "I'll work hard, I'll try as much as I can to get to the senior team," Petrov said. "Everything depends on myself and how I play. But right now I don't want to think about anything because there are so many emotions and they have taken control of me."
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