Barely two months after the climax of the FIFA Futsal World Championship last December in Chinese Taipei, the next highlight of the Futsal calendar is already upon us. From 14-20 February, Europe's eight strongest teams will do battle in the Czech city of Ostrava for the continental title.

In Group A, the hosts face Netherlands, Ukraine and Russia. On paper at least, that appears a somewhat easier line-up than Group B, where world champions Spain pit themselves against Italy, their defeated opponents in December's final, Portugal and Hungary. As a result, whatever happens, at least one of the three strong South European contenders will be going home after the first round.

The hosts coached by Michal Striz will be highly motivated to do well on home soil. Since the FIFA Futsal World Championship, three new players have come into the team, with much of the attention focusing on the Czechs' star player Roman Mares of Dynamo Moscow. He was still absent in Chinese Taipei, and his return gives the team a real boost. "We are 50 percent better with him, he makes the difference," say his colleagues. With world-class goalkeeper Petr Klima, whose ability was highlighted most impressively in the game against Brazil, and the backing of the home crowd, the Czechs have set reaching the semi-final as their minimum target. The organisers expect an average of around 5,000 fans per match in the ultra-modern CEZ Arena, and a successful performance from the home team will surely boost spectator numbers further.

Which Russia?

Ukraine are looking to build on their strong performances in previous European Championships, when they reached the last two finals. In Chinese Taipei, the team coached by Gennadiy Lissenschuk missed out on a semi-final appearance, a 0-0 draw with Argentina in the last match of the second phase just not enough to take them into the last four. Once again, the pin-up of the team is 29-year-old Sergiy Koridze, whose ambition is to lead his mix of young and more experienced colleagues into the final again. This is likely to be a tougher proposition this time around though, since the competition is more evenly balanced than in previous years. Group opponents Netherlands and Russia cannot be expected to bow out of the competition tamely, even if both teams have faced problems recently. A few months ago, the Russians were celebrating a 2-0 victory over Italy before being brought down to earth by a 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Czechs. Still, the Russians should not be underestimated with their quick, intricate passing game , and will give their opponents plenty to think about.

After downing Ukraine 1-0 in the 2003 final on home soil, Italy are the reigning champions at this fourth edition of the European Championship. Fresh from earning the runners-up spot in Chinese Taipei, Alessandro Nuccorini's boys are among of the favourites again. In Group B, the Squadra Azzurra face a rematch with World Championship final opponents Spain. They also cross swords again with a strong Portuguese team, who achieved a historic 0-0 draw against them in Chinese Taipei. Outsiders Hungary  complete this proverbial Group of Death, where any lack of concentration is likely to be punished.

World champions Spain in relaxed mood

As freshly-crowned world champions, Spain unsurprisingly go into the tournament in confident mood. Since the 2003 European Championship, the team coached by Javier Lozano have lost only once, in the group game against Italy in Chinese Taipei. "After the World Championship we feel no pressure at all in this tournament," a relaxed Lozano told FIFA.com. ""We want to enjoy the European Championship, and of course we want to win."

Lozano expects fast-flowing games and plenty of goals on the smooth surface at Ostrava. "This will be an attractive European Championship, a great show for the spectators," he says confidently. "In my opinion six teams are capable of winning this tournament. We have to watch out for the Czech Republic. They have improved greatly and are playing on home soil. The support of the fans will be a big motivating factor."

Czech Federation Futsal Committee Chairman and tournament director Otakar Mestek told FIFA.com: "Our preparations have gone splendidly. We are doing everything we can to ensure that all the participants enjoy the best possible conditions, and that they take away good memories of Ostrava. We are very pleased that our country should have the opportunity to stage this important tournament. We can show the whole of Europe what rapid progress Futsal has made in the Czech Republic."

Match schedule

Group A
Czech Republic
Ukraine
Russia
Netherlands

Group B
Italy
Portugal
Hungary
Spain

14/02/2005

Czech Republic - Ukraine
Russia - Netherlands
Italy - Portugal
Hungary - Spain

15/02/2005

Czech Republic - Russia
Ukraine - Netherlands
Italy - Hungary
Portugal - Spain

17/02/2005

Netherlands - Czech Republic
Ukraine - Russia
Spain - Italy
Portugal - Hungary

18/02/2005

Semi-finals

20/02/2005

Third place match and Final