Lions show fight in defeat to Seven time champions of Europe Spain
“I just hope for the best for this sport. I hope we can grow and continue to inspire other players to play”, said Ivan Cadete-Borges at full time as just over his shoulder, the last few England players savoured the moment with friends and family inside Loughborough University’s now empty Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.
Grow and inspire.
For two captivating halves of futsal against Spain, the two-time World and seven-time European champions, England had done just that.
The 919 supporters in attendance clung to every tackle, block and pass as Juan Tapia-Owens & Sion Kitson’s new-era Lions delivered a first half display that demonstrated a defensive cohesiveness and maturity that, understandably, had not been present against Bosnia in December’s UEFA Futsal Euro Group 8 opener.
Lines were covered sharply, entry to the pivot limited and, in the fleeting moments Spain relinquished possession, confident futsal was played by England under a stifling press.
Palma’s Champions League winning pivot, Jesus Gordillo, cut a frustrated figure as Jonathan Sim made a string of excellent saves that gave the home crowd a glimmer of hope.
But sure enough, in the 11th minute, Javi ‘Javivi’ Minguez of Inter Movistar, exploded down the left touchline and rifled a powerful strike into the far corner that demonstrated the 60-place gap between the nations in the world rankings. 1-0 Spain.
Floodgates open? Not quite.
If anything, England grew in stature and kept the world’s second-ranked men’s futsal team at bay.
The sight of Jordan Edge letting the ball run through his legs to wrongfoot the defender, Cadete-Borges pinning the fix to secure possession or Jake Barnes exploding through pressure was evidence enough that England belong at this level.
It wasn’t until the stroke of half-time that Spain doubled their advantage, Adrian Rivera rolling into an empty net after a lovely set-up from Renato Lopes.
2-0 at the break and a sense that England were growing into their shirts with each passing moment.
The second half brought with it four more Spain goals and good ones they were too.
But they were four goals that did not come easily, as England continued to defend diligently and run tirelessly.
The last five minutes even saw the home side begin to press Spain and pin them back as they searched for what would have been a truly special goal for all inside the Sir David Wallace.
Though there were phases of settled possession which showed a poise and confidence to England’s rotations and a glimpse of what this team might become, it was a goal that did not materialise.
Nevertheless, as the final whistle blew and both sets of players embraced, a message had been sent that England belong back in the international arena.
Tuesday night’s performance should instil belief in England that they can get something out of Group 8 and push Bosnia hard for second spot. And if not this year, then another year soon.
In just three games together, this newly formed group has grown in fitness, stature and quality as a futsal team.
In just three games together, they have and will continue to inspire the young kids that line the bleachers and grin with excitement as they scramble for a picture with Stuart Cook, Jamie Brooker or Liam Palfreeman.
Match Report written by Ben Stevens
@totalfutsal_
Images courtesy of Becca Taylor
@taylordmanagement
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