The Futsal Euros were wonderful.
We get so little Futsal to ingest on our English screens that having any is a treat. For it to have been of such high quality was tremendous. The incredible goals of Ricardinho have been replayed over and over again, deservedly so. Seeing nations that the uninitiated would not expect to be competing at such a high level going deep into the tournament provided another delicious element of intrigue.
Then there was Spain. Before the tournament any aficionado of Futsal drooled at the prospect of seeing the Spanish in action. Any students of Futsal knew they had to watch Spain. The opportunity to learn was far too good to turn down. At present I am quite literally a student of the game, being on the Futsal UEFA B course. At the quarter final stage I chose to take notes on the Spanish matches. They are not comprehensive, the game is too fast to fully analyse in one viewing, but they are indicative of the Spanish style.
Quarter Final – Spain vs Portugal
This was the game that had been eagerly anticipated before the tournament. The best player, Ricardinho, against the best team, Spain. The length of the analysis reflects that.
For this game I looked out for team shape, chance creation, set plays and other key incidents.
First Half
In the opening three minutes Spain pressed very hard. This was what I had been educated to expect. During one particular press it was very clear that three players were being sent to press. Two to the ball. The third far enough away to effect a square release pass but also close enough to get across should the two pressing players be beaten on the dribble. One such high press on Ricardinho led to Spain creating an opportunity on goal.
Portugal applied a strong press of their own. What surprised me was how the Spaniards got out of the press. After one or two short passes they played long, looking for a drifting pivot who had moved from a central position towards one of the flanks. The ball would be lifted high towards the pivot. One of the wide players who had previously been back to help cycle the ball out of defence would burst forward to support the pivot. The run would happen very quickly, seemingly as soon as the player lifting the ball had recoiled his leg. The tactic was used often and led to the opening goal.
The long diagonal pass forward out of the press found Spain’s pivot on the right hand side. The ball was held up for a moment before being passed low into the area. The Portugal defence blocks the ball but a following up Spanish player touches into the area where he is fouled. Miguelin strikes the ball with great power to put his team 1-0 in front.
The team shape in possession changed with regularity. The core shape could certainly have been said to be a 3-1 with the pivot being highly mobile. This mobility meant that the shape would shift from 3-1 to 2-2 and into 4-0. In football teams are constantly moving in and out of formations depending on where the ball is, in Futsal you can multiply that factor. The formation has to be a loose framework on which to hang your players. The principles of passing, movement and cover are of greater importance than any strict formation.
As the half progressed Spain controlled the possession but the efforts at goal were limited. Particularly from open play. Set plays had a vital role to play and the Spaniards showed a greater aptitude in this area than their counterparts. A lot of good possession resulted in kick ins or corners, each of which is a potential shooting opportunity. The big difference seemed to be sharpness on the sets. There was not a reliance on clever moves, more on seeing the opportunities quickly and executing. Simple passes played quickly took Portuguese defenders out of the game, or the Portugal players were just too far away from the receiving player to effect the shot. Portugal did get it right defensively against a number of the sets but the set plays were such a threat that getting it slightly wrong led to strike on goal. Often Miguelin was involved. His powerful left foot being a constant threat.
A quick kick in square with nine minutes played saw a shot strike the crossbar. On this occassion there has been very quick, clever movement from the receiving player. A move first away from the edge of the area and then back towards bought centimetres of space, allowing a simple square pass to create a shot. No clever movement was needed for Spain’s second goal. That extra sharpness and awareness meant that Portugal were slow to react. Portugal had positioned themselves to block off the area at this set play but the pass went behind their zone, towards half way and Rivillos, around 15 metres from goal, swept a low shot in to the corner.
Following the second goal the intensity of the game ramped up an extra level. Portugal attacked with greater intent but Spain defended with a low block, switching from the diamond to the box and back as the situation required. The pressing from Spain had dissipated, the half heading towards a close and a great deal of energy expended. Yet they were able to find a third goal before half time as Alex pressed alone against an isolated Portugal player. The lone Portuguese player looked to hit a long ball forward out of this press but Alex closed down and blocked the ball. As it bounced up Alex flicked the ball over the defender’s head before lifting a finish over the advancing goalkeeper. Spain would have a comfortable 3-0 lead at half time.
The second half began with renewed vigour. Portugal had to show more energy and threat to the Spanish goal to have any chance in the game. They also needed to get Ricardinho into the game more. With two minutes gone Ricardinho cut inside from the right shot. Paco Sedano flicking the ball onto the bar with his fingertips.
Portugal’s attacking intent meant that Spain were forced deeper and to defend with greater tenacity. A turnover is created and Spain flood forward seeing a chance to open up a four goal lead. They over commit and an attempted defence splitting pass is intercepted. Portugal counter the counter. The ball is passed from the right side across to the left hand far post and then returned again across the goal, the goalkeeper Sedano is taken out of the game and Ricardinho finishes the move to cut the lead to two goals.
The lead is cut for less than a minute. Spain pick Portugal off on the fast break. A pass forward from the centre of the court to the right cuts through the Portugal team. Campos strides on to the ball but gathers in a position wide on the right. The Portuguese goalkeeper makes the decision to rush from his line which leaves a gap for Campos to slot the ball into from a wide angle.
Portugal once more are in a position where they have to attack. Spain are well organised and Portugal pressure ends in set plays rather than shots at goal. Just as in the first half, Spain show their superior ability to read set plays and get players to the ball quickly to block. When Spain are fully focused defensively they do not give up easy goals.
The second Portugal goal is far from easy. Days earlier Ricardinho scored a magical goal against Serbia. Receiving a pass on half way Ricardinho uses a half rainbow flick to lift the ball over the sliding defender. The ball sits up for him as he moves forward. From 10 metres a toe pocked half volley rockets into the near top corner, Sedano grasping at air as the ball whistles beyond his reach. The best individual of the tournament had again given his team hope.
For the following few minutes Spain show a change in style. They use possession as a defensive tactic. Slowing the game down and keeping Portugal at arms length. This triggers a response from Portugal who take up a higher, harder pressing position. Ricardinho forces a turnover near the Spanish area but shoots well wide. It is almost as though Spain had adopted a short, slow, passing mentality and forgotten how they consistently broke the Portugal press in the first half.
As soon as they rediscover the means of escape Spain are able to mount a period of attacking threat. The crossbar is struck following another kick in. A weak effort is cleared off the line and a Miguelin volley from a lofted corner goes wide. After Alex has an effort smothered Portugal manager Jorge Braz decides it is time to fly the goalkeeper.
The defensive box is deployed by Spain as Portugal move the ball around in front of the Spanish defence. When the ball is moved down the sides the box morphs into a diamond to block passing lines. A long range shooting opportunity is worked but the strike is straight at Sedano. He throws the ball quickly out to the right and Miguelin. As Miguelin runs with the ball down the right hand line the Portugal fly ‘keeper is sprinting back. The ‘keeper gets to Miguelin as he enters the right side of the area, diving at his feet. Miguelin lifts the ball over the dive to the far past where the ball is helped over the line by Alex. The three goal cushion back in place.
With a three goal advantage and the fly goalkeeper deployed Spain were happy to keep Portugal at arms length, holding position and blocking off the centre of the pitch. Portugal where able to find space in wide areas on the goal line but the shooting angle was impossible and the passing line to the second post was quickly cut out. With a minue and a half to go Portugal are able to find a passing line and play the ball across to the second post, the low shot is saved brilliantly by Sedano.
Portugal continue to attack. A shot is blocked and drops one metre from Spain’s own goal line. Mario Rivillos swivels and hooks the ball first time all the way down the court, into the empty Portugal net to seal a 6-2 victory.
Semi Final – Spain vs Kazakhstan
During the Portugal game I was became fascinated with the involvement of Miguelin. So much of Spain’s set play strategy seemed to involve him and he seemed to have more attempts on goal than any other Spanish player. My notes for the Kazakhstan game initially began as an over view of the game but morphed into tracking Miguelin.
First Half
Kazakhstan have become renowned for using the fly ‘keeper as soon as possible. Their utilisation of Higuita’s ability with the ball at his feet had been a highlight of the tournament. Some found it exciting, others felt it pushed the rules of Futsal too far. He would not be a factor in this semi final due to suspension. It did not stop Kazakhstan deploying the fly within 20 seconds of the game. Higuita’s understudy Shamro stepping out to the half way line and beyond.
This did not create a huge change in Spain’s approach without the ball. They utilised the full court pressing style just as they had in previous games. Against Kazakhstan there was a slightly different intention, to prevent the opponent getting across halfway and being able to utilise the fly ‘keeper. However, the press can go wrong.
Spain have been superb at pressing opponents. They use pairs or even trios to hunt the ball. Although they are experts at it, there are times when a player presses unsupported. After three minutes a solo Spanish player pressed on halfway, committing to a challenge. The Kazakhstan player skips around the challenge and has space to drive into. A low hard diagonal is fired to the second post. The resulting tap in puts Kazakhstan ahead. The advantage was the prompt for Kazakhstan to stop using the fly ‘keeper.
Miguelin did not start the game, so his first real involvement came after seven minutes. A short kick in played quickly for Miguelin to shoot. Seconds later he has possession on half way and fizzes a straight pass into Alex in the pivot position, the result is a turn and shot off target. It took a long time for Spain to generate an attacking foothold in the game and Miguelin helped them to do so. The Spanish equaliser came as a kick from their right traveled low and hard into Kazakhstan’s area. Shamro blocked the ball but it came out to Bebe. Shamro threw himself to the ground to his left but Bebe intelligent rolled the ball to Shamro’s right before slipping the ball through the gap he had created.
As the game moved towards half time Miguelin’s influence increased. With 5 minutes to go he steals the ball when pressing high up the pitch, shooting wide. This was a prelude to the Spanish second goal. A press on halfway results in Spain stealing the ball, a quick pass feeds Miguelin. One touch controls the ball and his powerful left foot drives the ball low from a position just left of centre, 12 metres out. The ball nestles in the right hand corner. A minute and a half later Spain have a 3-1 lead. Paco Sedano rolls the ball underarm to a team mate to the right of his own area. The pass is weighted along the right hand line and Raul Campos runs onto the pass and slips a low right foot shot past the advancing goalkeeper.
Second Half
The beginning of the half was perfect for Spain, uneventful. My analysis was also uneventful as Miguelin was unseen until four minutes in when he received a pass on Spain’s right side deep in his own half. From this position he struck a diagonal pass across to the left where Bebe struck a volley at goal. The Kazakhstan goalkeeper kept the ball out with his feet. Miguelin spent the following minutes operating on Spain’s right side. Only changing position within a rotation or when Spain lost possession. Less than one minute after lifting the pass from right to left Miguelin was tracking back and covering as the last man.
Kazakhstan then used the fly ‘keeper in the more traditional, less controversial, manner. Spain defend in the 2-2 shape with Miguelin as one of the two players closest to halfway and applying pressure. Although when Spain are in possession he operates mainy on the left, he presses against the fly on the left of the top pair. As so often seemed to be the case at this tournament the team who used the fly goalkeeper conceded quickly. Miguelin gets a touch on the ball and diverts it into the path of Alex. Alex lifts the ball from inside his own half into the empty net.
While Kazakhstan used the fly ‘keeper Miguelin remained as one of the two highest players. The only change to this came when the ball was moved to a wide position and Miguelin worked with his side partner to squeeze the player in possession. Spain are able to withstand the being outnumbered and mount attacks of their own. Once more Miguelin operates mainly on the right hand side but is able to pop up on the left to strike a long distance left foot shot at goal that is pushed away. Another attempt at goal comes from a corner pulled back a long way to Migiuelin on the right. A rare shot right footed travels high and wide.
Miguelin expends a large amount of energy pressing and haranguing opponents in the Kazakhstan half. One instance of pressure resulted in a defensive error sending the ball spinning high into the air. Miguelin was able to control the ball and quickly shoot, forcing the goalkeeper to save. A later incident saw Miguelin’s willingness to chase turn an aimless ball forward and a turnover of possession become Spanish possession as he pressured the Kazakhstan goal keeper into playing the ball out for a kick in.
The flow of the game reversed once more as Kazakhstan were able to camp themselves in Spain’s half and bring out the fly ‘keeper. Eventually Kazakhstan get a goal using the tactic. The ball is worked across to wide on Kazakhstan’s right. Miguelin is slow to close down, the shot fired low across goal and touched in at the far post by the fly goalkeeper. Miguelin’s exertions seemed to be catching up with him, responding more slowly to the ball movement than he previously had. Moments later Miguelin receives the ball from Sedano in the deep right corner of Spain’s half. He clears the ball long out of play and leaves the court, his race run.
Following Miguelin leaving the game Kazakhstan scored once more using the fly. A shot from distance pushed away by Sedano. His save hit the Kazakhstan fly who was stood next to Sedano. The ball trickled back towards the Spain goal where it was smashed in centimetres from the line. At 4-3 with two and a half minutes remaining the game seemed to be in the balance. Kazakhstan applied a high press but Spain are able to dribble out, breaking past three players on Spain’s left side. The ball is released to wide right and instantly struck low to the far post. One controlling touch sits the Kazakhstan goalkeeper down, the second touch lifts the ball into the net. With one minute remaining the Spain are two goals ahead, the game ends 5-3. Miguelin once again performing a key role for his side.
The Final – Spain vs Russia
For the final the focus was directed at Paco Sedano. This tournament has shown how important a high quality goalkeeper is to be a successful team. In the quarter final Sedano faced 15 shots on target. In the semi final the number was 11. With such a number of efforts teams can’t afford to give away easy goals.
The type of involvement from Sedano gave clues to the flow of the game. In the opening two minutes Sedano had a large number of back passes as Russia pressed Spain all the way back to the Spanish area, with Sedano having to play long, quickly while under pressure. As time passed the energy of the press fell away, allowing Sedano to start picking out team mates with short passes rather than clear the ball long.
Spain controlled the first third of the game without finding a break through. Sedano made two saves during this time. The first an effort from range to his right that he kept out with a forward kick through. The second a more difficult split save. A corner lifted from left to right volleyed back where the ball came from. Sedano moves with the flight of the ball from his near post across his goal. It is the trailing leg and hand combination from the split shape that deflects the ball away.
Following this effort at goal Sedano spends the next three minutes distributing the ball from his hands with short under arm throws. Another right foot kick through save punctuates Spain’s control of the game, but it is not a real threat. After eight minutes Spain open the scoring as Alex is the recipient of a square kick in across played from the right across the Russian area. Alex strikes first time from the centre of the goal into the roof of the net past Gustavo.
Following the goal Russia started to apply a threat on the Spanish goal. Seconds after the blocking save a ball deflects and spins high into the air inside Spain’s area. Sedano shows bravery. One of the Russian players attempts and over head kick as Sedano stands tall. The kicking boot is close to Sedano’s face. In the end the boot doesn’t connect with ball or face and the ball runs safely out of play.
The flurry is brief and Spain settle into a pattern of possession. Sedano hardly touching the ball bar a few back passes. A long distance shot brought a sprawling save low down. The Spanish response was three goals in under two minutes. Russia turnover possession near the halfway line. A short pass found Piola to the right of the area. A right footed roll over draws the ‘keeper and Piola squeezes the ball through his legs. The third goal followed another kick in on the right. This time lifted to the left side. Mario Rivillos volleys left footed. Gustavo attempts a kick through but reacts late, the ball deflecting off of his leg on the way in. Goal number four sees a Russia defender attempt to dribble in his own half. Piola makes a challenge and strikes a hard low left footed shot into the right hand corner of the goal.
Russia are shellshocked. Spain are comfortable. The tempo of the game drops with Spain allowing Russia easy possession. Just as it appears Spain will go into the second half 4-0 in front a shot from very wide on the right flashes past a defender and deflects in off the left hand post. Sedano had moved with the line of the pass from the centre of the court, left to right. A combination of his initial movement, the power of the strike and the position of the defender meant that Sedano offered little reaction.
Second Half
The pattern at the start of the second half is very similar to that of the first. Russia pressing early and Sedano collecting back passes. From one of these back passes Sedano shows his ability to distribute the ball by lifting a pass over the Russian defence to the Spanish left. A Spaniard runs onto the ball, as it drops a left volley is strike across goal. On the right a team mate slides to try and make contact but just misses.
The pattern of the game changes as Russia bring out the fly ‘keeper. Sedano is organising his defence. Russia maintaining possession but it takes them four minutes to have worthwhile attempt on goal. The shot from the left side of the area takes a deflection and the trajectory of the ball sees it loop upwards. Sedano has almost sat down following the strike. He pushes himself up and claws the ball away.
The pattern of the game may have changed but the pattern of the tournament has not. The team using the fly goalkeeper concedes. A loose ball on half way and Miguelin nips in front of a Russian player. The defender and fly ‘keeper try to recover but Miguelin is able to easily roll the ball into the empty net. With nine minutes to go Spain lead 5-1.
Immediately following the goal Sedano has an unusual moment. Russia maintain the the fly ‘keeper and work the ball to a wide position on the right side. A shot strikes the near post but Sedano’s body shape is long and thin, almost turning his back on the ball. The shot traveled from behind a defender so Sedano may not have seen it until late, even so the body shape was not what would be expected from a quality goal keeper.
Spain sit back from Russia. The four goal lead very comfortable and time ticked down. With eight minutes to go a powerful shot is driven low and hard to Sedano’s right. He flicks a leg at the shot but can not get close. The lead being cut to three goals gives Russia belief. Sedano produces four saves within three minutes. The first is a fantastic stop. Russia manage to lift a diagonal from their left to the far post. Paco Sedano moves with the ball from his near post across to the far. The diagonal produces a low volley, Sedano drops into a split saves position, the inside of his leg deflects the ball away. The fourth save sees Sedano make a kick through save left footed. The ball pinballs into a team mates chest before dropping nicely for Miguelin to hit a left foot strike into the empty goal. A 6-2 advantage with five minutes to go. The brief flame of Russian belief completely extinguished less than a minute later as Russia give the ball away near the half way line. Russia are still flying so the goal remains unguarded for Rivillos to clip the ball home first time.
Spain are five goals ahead. Understandably the intensity has gone from their defensive work. As a result Sedano has a flurry of shots from distance to deal with. With 15 seconds remaining he is caught out by a back heel but the Spanish focus is no longer on the match but on the final whistle and the trophy. Before the final whistle is blown the celebration begin.
Spain finish a tremendous tournament as worthy champions.
– One final note. I do not profess to being a Futsal expert. As mentioned earlier, I do consider myself a Futsal student. This report is not supposed to be definitive, merely a reflection of my observations presented in a readable form. I am sure there are people with far greater experience within the game than myself who can offer a more detailed and in depth analysis of the way Spain performed. I am sure I could if I was able to watch periods of play over and over, unfortunately I did not have that option.
– This post is based on minute observations recorded to the minute. If anyone should wish to see those please contact me via Twitter.