UEFA Futsal EURO play-off preview
Published: Sunday 13 September 2015, 12.21CET
The play-offs take place over the next two Tuesdays with regular qualifiers the Czech Republic and Romania among eight sides vying for the last four spots in Serbia.
• All four UEFA Futsal EURO 2016 play-offs take place over the next two Tuesdays
• The winners join hosts Serbia, holders Italy, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Croatia and Ukraine in the finals• Finals draw 12.00CET, Friday 2 October, Belgrade Town Hall• Final tournament 2–13 February, Belgrade Arena
• The winners join hosts Serbia, holders Italy, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Croatia and Ukraine in the finals• Finals draw 12.00CET, Friday 2 October, Belgrade Town Hall• Final tournament 2–13 February, Belgrade Arena
Romania v Hungary
Romania
Having previously coached Romania from 2003–09 before returning last year, Zoltán Jakab faces Hungary without Gabriel Dobre, who lacks match fitness due to a domestic suspension. Veteran Marian Șotârcă comes into the squad, one of several players to have represented Romania in the final tournaments of 2007, 2012 and 2014. Romania enter the play-offs as the best third-placed team having finished level on points with Kazakhstan and Portugal, topping Group 7 until Tiago Brito scored 72 seconds before the end of their last match.
Romania
Having previously coached Romania from 2003–09 before returning last year, Zoltán Jakab faces Hungary without Gabriel Dobre, who lacks match fitness due to a domestic suspension. Veteran Marian Șotârcă comes into the squad, one of several players to have represented Romania in the final tournaments of 2007, 2012 and 2014. Romania enter the play-offs as the best third-placed team having finished level on points with Kazakhstan and Portugal, topping Group 7 until Tiago Brito scored 72 seconds before the end of their last match.
Main round: Kazakhstan 6-4, Georgia 4-1, Portugal 1-4 (Group 7 third place)
Coach Zoltán Jakab
"These are two huge matches because our only aim is to qualify. Theoretically, we are the better-ranked team and could be considered favourites but we have to show it on the pitch. Anyway we will have two very, very tough matches. Hungary have had several preparation periods – we haven't – and they also participated recently at a tournament against Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. More than that, their coach was in charge of Romania for three years, so he knows us very well, especially because our team hasn't changed much. But I also know a lot about them and their championship. We know each other and it will be very interesting and tough."
"These are two huge matches because our only aim is to qualify. Theoretically, we are the better-ranked team and could be considered favourites but we have to show it on the pitch. Anyway we will have two very, very tough matches. Hungary have had several preparation periods – we haven't – and they also participated recently at a tournament against Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia. More than that, their coach was in charge of Romania for three years, so he knows us very well, especially because our team hasn't changed much. But I also know a lot about them and their championship. We know each other and it will be very interesting and tough."
Hungary
Hungary coach Sito Rivera indeed left Romania for his current role midway through UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 qualification. He now hopes to lead his side to their third final tournament after 2005 and 2010, when they were hosts. Earlier this month in the tournament in Tychy, Poland, they beat Slovakia 3-1 yet lost 6-2 to the hosts and 6-0 to Czech Republic.
Hungary coach Sito Rivera indeed left Romania for his current role midway through UEFA Futsal EURO 2014 qualification. He now hopes to lead his side to their third final tournament after 2005 and 2010, when they were hosts. Earlier this month in the tournament in Tychy, Poland, they beat Slovakia 3-1 yet lost 6-2 to the hosts and 6-0 to Czech Republic.
Main round: FYR Macedonia 3-3, Spain 0-5, Switzerland 8-2 (Group 2 runners-up)
Coach Sito Rivera
"Romania are a good team, as shown by the fact they have reached the last two European Championships. I know all our opponents. They also have several experienced players, but I am confident we have a chance if we focus on our own game. The fact we play at home in the second leg is an advantage for us."
"Romania are a good team, as shown by the fact they have reached the last two European Championships. I know all our opponents. They also have several experienced players, but I am confident we have a chance if we focus on our own game. The fact we play at home in the second leg is an advantage for us."
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