UEFA Futsal EURO: Russia join Portugal and Ukraine in semi-finals

Russia defeat Georgia in quarterfinals of UEFA Futsal EURO 2022 - Foto: UEFA

Portugal and Russia held off debutants Finland and Georgia while Ukraine upset Kazakhstan to win their quarter-finals.

The UEFA Futsal EURO 2022 quarter-finals began in exciting fashion on Monday as holders Portugal were twice pegged back before ending Finland's debut campaign. Ukraine then made their fourth semi, 17 years after their third, by knocking out one of the favourites, Kazakhstan.

Action continued on Tuesday when Russia beat another finals newcomer, Georgia. Spain now take on Slovakia, with the winners playing Portugal in Friday's other semi-final.

Russia 3-1 Georgia

Though Georgia had become the first debutants to win their opening two games since 2010, they had also lost their last group match to Spain by a tournament joint-record margin of 8-0. So they needed to keep their opponents, who scored 16 goals in their three group victories, at bay. Georgia's 42-year-old keeper Zviad Kupatadze (who has played in Russia since 2003) was crucial to doing that in the first half with a string of saves. Sergei Abramov also hit a post. 

However, just over two minutes into the second half Artem Niyazov, broke the deadlock with a shot from just inside the box. Georgia, though, responded immediately as Elisandro's cross was turned in by Bruno Petry. 

Kupatadze turned an Abramov drive on to a post, but Russia were soon back ahead when Ivan Chishkala brilliantly met Robinho's corner with a flying volley. Even after that Russia had the better chances, Robinho smashing a late free-kick against the bar. Although with seconds left Putilov had to make a crucial double save, Chishkala clinched victory with a long shot into an unguarded Georgia net.

Key fact: Russia have won all ten games in their campaign so far, including qualifying – nine was already a record.

Spain 5-1 Slovakia

Spain have now made the semi-finals at all 12 Futsal EUROs and Slovakia never had a real chance of a first knockout victory. Fede Vidal's side led in the second minute as Sergio Lozano, winning his 100th cap, played a free-kick sideways for Mellado to smash in. Lozano, naturally, was not satisfied with a mere assist and doubled the lead with an angled left-footed shot. It was three by half-time as Raúl Campos's sliced strike bamboozled Marek Karpiak. 

Early in the second half, Slovakia flying keeper Martin Směřička tipped away a Boyis long-range effort outside the box and was dismissed, Mellado scoring from the free-kick, again played by Lozano. Peter Serbin did get a consolation for Slovakia but soon after Borja's incisive ball was turned in by Raúl Campos. Spain can now prepare for a rematch of the 2018 final (and many other epic encounter) with Portugal.

Key fact: Spain captain Ortiz equalled Luis Amado's record of 33 finals appearances.

Sergio Lozano, Spain player: “Today is a dream come true. To have worn this shirt and represented my country 100 times is an honour. To think that this time last year I feared I might never play for my country again so to play a 100th game, ,score a goal, get two assists and qualify for the semi-final is incredible.”

Marián Berky, Slovakia coach: "On the one hand we have been in a dream and just been woken up, but on the other hand I am happy – I couldn’t be more proud of my players and staff. I hoped we wouldn’t be woken up by Spain but we were! These games can help our players in their future careers. They saw that they needed to improve and I hope it is motivation for them to work on the next stage of their careers.”