Rivals progress after exciting encounter
Thursday 11 December 2008
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Hosts Russia and Italy both got the point they needed to go reach the UEFA European Futsal Tournament semi-finals but that does not mean the pair were settling for a draw.
Russia top
The hosts led twice through Dmitri Prudnikov and Dmitri Lyskov but Andre Fantecele and Gabriel Lima equalised for comeback specialists Italy. However, the Azzurrini could not find a winner and as Group A runners-up on goals scored face Spain in Friday's semi-finals, the match followed by Russia's meeting with neighbours Ukraine.
Early opener
In the third minute the loudest crowd of the competition so far was given something to cheer. Ivan Milovanov played the ball to the right of goal for Vladimir Goncharov to pull back for Russia captain Prudnikov to emphatically strike past Gabriel Miraglia. Italy, who had captain Massimo De Luca back from a knee injury, looked to respond quickly, Douglas Poltronieri only just denied by a saving tackle from Danil Kutuzov.
Further goals
Fantecele had a shot turned over by Sergei Slemzin but the Italy No14 equalised in the eleventh minute after pouncing on a slip in the Russia defence. Milovanov almost restored the lead late in the half; Miraglia's diving save prevented that. However, he could do nothing to keep out Lyskov's ferocious shot from wide on the left seconds from the break.
Points shared
Moments into the second half Gabriel Lima was denied by a point-blank Slemzin save as Italy piled on the pressure. It was not long before Lima made his threat tell, though, shooting in after being fed by Felipe Arteiro's corner. A draw would have meant progress for both opponents but neither side seemed happy to settle for that. Prudnikov rattled the woodwork with a particularly choice effort while in the tense late stages Italy coach Paolo Minicucci was dismissed.
Paolo Minicucci, Italy coach
"We played against a very strong team, that today probably proved to be a step above us. As always happens when there is this physical gap we can only limit that with a tactical plan and the heart that we show on the pitch. I can only give compliments to Russia and to my players, because we obtained a historic result as far as we are concerned."
Oleg Ivanov, Russia coach
"At this tournament everything is well-organised and all eight teams are really strong. We played for victory today. I think that both teams put on an attractive game with a lot of combinations. Of course a draw was enough for us, but we still wanted to win. We have some good individuals in our team, and the tactics are based on them. Just like Andrei Arshavin at Zenit St. Petersburg."
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