0-3 victory over Czechia on matchday 1 of the Elite Round
MADRID, 15 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish futsal team beat the Czech Republic 0-3 on matchday 1 of the Elite Round qualifying for the 2024 Men’s World Cup, under the orders of coach Albert Canillas as a replacement for Fede Vidal, absent due to a problem of health.
At the UNYP Arena in Prague, Spain faced a Czech team accustomed to this type of match and on a court that was difficult due to its slowness. The script of the match was clear from the beginning, with the Czechs retreating back and looking for any mistake from their opponent, who chewed up the offensives to find the gaps.
In the first half, Spain finished 21 times, eight between the sticks; and had 14 corners, but they lacked success. A ball that Michal Holy took between the posts when Adolfo Fernández finished almost into an empty goal and a shot by Boyis after a good action by Pablo Ramírez were the clearest chances in the first half.
However, Spain had to wait for a rebound for the first goal to arrive in the second half. A corner taken by Tomaz was deflected by Koudelka into his own goal. Just 25 seconds later, Mellado stole a ball and beat goalkeeper Vahala with a cross shot. The award for Spanish insistence woke up the local team.
Czechia took a step forward, creating danger and taking advantage of some rival mistakes. Spain had an advantage, but needed to extend it to breathe easy. And another goal came with less than six minutes remaining, taking advantage of the Czech goalkeeper-player situation.
Adolfo, from his own field with an empty goal during a local change, scored the third. The Czechs maintained their commitment to the five-man game, but with less faith, while Spain extended possessions. Thus, those from Canillas closed the gaps and added their first three points in Group D.