European Deaf Futsal Championship - Main Round Group B

MATCH SUMMARY: CZECH REPUBLIC - SWEDEN (M)

Sweden won the Group B of the Main Round after a 5-3 win against Czech Republic, in which Sweden had a better control overall the game but Czech Republic was clinical in their chances which made this game exciting and nervously for everyone!

Both teams were already qualified to European Deaf Futsal Championship in Montesilvanio, Italy so this game was all about winning the Group B. Czech Republic was in the stands during the game
between Sweden & Azerbaijan and was probably feared of the Swedish offensive while Sweden knew Czech Republic was a team of physical players with clinical finishers.

It only took 49 seconds for Sweden to take the lead when the captain Nabil Tebibel made a smart movement towards the further post during a kick-in and only needed to tap-in the ball, which
Amadeus Lantz assisted to. Sweden had a good control of the game and pressed the Czechs when they tried to build-up which led to several ball loss for the Czechs, they couldn’t really create dangerous chances.

Sweden created a few good chances, but the Czech goalkeeper Radim Minarik did several good saves but had to give up another goal at last when 9 minutes were played. Adam Neverland made a sweet
backheel-pass to Rekar Essa who stormed towards the net, rounded the goalkeeper chilly and could extended the Swedish lead by putting the ball in the net.

By this time Sweden had full control and Czech didn’t create in-game chances, but they are really good at set pieces, and it would be absolutely crazy to let them get free-kicks at good spots. They had
a really good chance at 9th minute with a direct free kick, but the Swedish goalkeeper Daniel Madebrink did a great save. However, Czech Republic would get their goal just shortly after when
Alexander Neverland made one of his rare mistakes by trying hold the ball outside the goalkeeper area while duelling with Lukas Benda. Neverland couldn’t really hold the ball off and the tournaments best goalscorer, Andreas Hubacek, took advantage of this chance with did a direct shot totally unreachable for the Swedish goalkeeper. Hubackes 7th goal in this tournament.

Sweden had several good chances, but Minarik was holding down the result and the result seemed to be the final result of the first half, but with 5 seconds left Sweden took advantage of a kick-in in
which Rekar Essa doubled his scores through a sweet low-shot that went in via the post. Czech Republic was probably disappointed by letting a goal in with 5 seconds left.

2 minutes in the second half Daniel Madebrink made a weak ball-throw which Czech caught and counterattacked that led to Sweden taking a foul in dangerous area, the referee whistled, and Czech
got a free-kick only a few metres from the net. Milan Novotny exceptionally hard shot was unreachable for the Swedish wall and goalkeeper, Czech reduced the Swedish lead to 2-3.

Sweden however extended their lead once again after a sweet play from Alexander Neverland who started to build up the play in the defensive zone and passed forward the ball to Rekar Essa who did a great performance to hold off the Czech defender before forwarding the ball back to rushing
Neverland that didn’t any mistake with the finishing.

Neverland was once again involved in the next Swedish goal, he settled up the corner and forwarded a low precise pass to Aleksandar Skovin that bombed in 5-2 lead with his “wrong” foot, he was pretty
surprised when his teammates hugged him as he didn’t know he scored. Sweden kept creating chances but either it was the goalkeeper Minarik or the post that stopped all the chances, in a total Sweden was hitting the post three times during this game.

But Sweden welcomed Czechs back to the game by giving them another dangerous free kick, it’s like giving free goals to Czech. Once again Milan Novotny was the goalscorer with a sweet variant when
he, instead of bombing in the ball as previous free-kick, did a low shot that fooled the defenders and the goalkeeper.

The game was physical and heating up towards the end, the referees had a lot to do during the game. Sweden wanted a red card to Milan Novotny when he tackled Alexander Neverland with both his feets out during a counterattack but the referees decided it was enough with a yellow card.

Czech tried with a flying player without success and Sweden could conquer the first place in group B with full 9 points (3 points from the walk-over of Wales are counted in) and, despite not playing their best over these two games, showed which high level they can play. Czech Republic also developed a lot the past years and we can except to see Czech Republic participating in championships in future with success.

The Head Coach Petr Valasek was in tears after the whistle blew off, their hard work with developing Czech Deaf Football paid off with a ticket to Italy. Andreas Hubacek became the best goalscorer during the Main Round group B with 7 goals in total.

A big congratulations to both Czech Republic and Sweden for qualifying to European Deaf Futsal Championship in Montesilvanio, Italy!

Thank you all participating countries, volunteers and organization committee for your hard work to make sure this tournament could be arranged!

See you all in Italy!

MATCH REPORT: GERMANY-NETHERLANDS (W)

Germany became the runner up team in Women Friendly Tournament after winning a goal-rich match against Netherlands with 8-5!

Since Sweden won both their games, the game between Germany and Netherlands was all about which team that would be the runner-up in this tournament. Those two games earlier, against Sweden, was compact in which both Netherlands and Germany had problem to force through the defence. But in this game both teams didn’t have the defence as top priority, instead we got an exciting and fun game with several goals and duels. Every neutral supporter probably loved to watch this game!

The German captain and key player, Melissa Gracic, was involved in the three first goals when she first gave Germany the lead through a beautiful long shot only 1 minute in the game. The lead didn’t last long time though, as Netherlands equalized only 30 seconds later when Amy Stoel, who Gracic was marking, tapped in the goal after a kick-in. Additional 30 seconds later she slipped in Germany own half of the pitch when she tried with a long-pass and the Netherlands captain, Henrianne Jansen, snapped the ball and ran towards the goalkeeper alone. The German goalkeeper, Patricia Gloeckner, made a double-save but at the third try Jansen scored. Only 1 minute and 55 seconds were played at that moment.

Unlike the previous women games during this tournament, we could except a game with many goals as both teams let the opponent come through the team several times, this game isn’t going to lack scoring chances. Only 3 minutes later, Germany equalized through Michelé Schirkonyer with a distance shot that was unreachable for the goalkeeper. The Netherlands captain, Amy Stoel, gave her team the lead once again with a great solo-effort. The goal was the beginning of a crazy 4-minute period which involved whole 5 goals, with 3 of them being in 14th match-minute!

After Stoel’s goal Germany took time-out and suddenly Germany went from 2-3 to 5-3 within 32 seconds, this just prove how fast a game can change in futsal. Amanda Wysocka bombed in 3-3 after a sweet chip-pass from Gracic and only 9 seconds later Adelina Worseck gave Germany the lead when Oefele snapped a poor pass from Netherlands and forwarded the ball to Worseck who chanced with a distance-shot. A short while after the goal Germany got a free kick not far away from the net, and Philine Sturm chanced with a hard and low direct shot which worked well here. 5-3!

3 goals conceded within 32 seconds would break down most teams, but Netherlands replied through Henrianne Jansen, however the goal belongs the 14-years old youngster Isabella Tillemans who made a sweet effort before laying up the ball to Jansen who only had an empty net in front of her. These amazing 4 minutes was probably fun for every neutral supporter following the game, but probably not for Germany and Netherlands supporters who probably were sweating!

After a while it finally was half-time break and everyone could breathe out, however Germany probably breathed out way too much as they instant conceded a goal when the second half began. Only 8 seconds were clocked when Amy Stoel scored her hat-trick after a beautiful build-up from Netherlands with a sweet back-heel-pass from Bernice Leming as assist to the goal.

But it was the last goal of the game for Netherlands, Germany started to level up and made three unanswered goals. Claire Alfes was first out, a nice wall-playing cooperation with the captain Gracic where she backheeled the ball back to Alfes who scored post-in. 7-5 was a beautiful kick-in variant from Germany that Anna Wettin scored. Melissa Gracic then completed her great evening with scoring the final result after a long throw from the goalkeeper, Patricia Gloeckner. With her 2 goals and 2 assists and an amazing leadership on the pitch she was probably the best player of the day despite a couple misses in the beginning. We shouldn’t forget that she also is still recovering from a serious knee-injury.

Neither team did an additional goal the final 11 minutes, the energy seemed being exhausted from both teams even if there were a few chances during the ending. Netherlands tried with flying player but didn’t succeed this time and Germany could conquer the runner-up title even if they probably were aiming for winning the tournament.

It was 3 exciting and thrilling games between 3 great teams which let several young players have their minutes on the pitch, the youngest one was Aliza Van Zuilen who are having her 20th birthday by tomorrow! Netherlands has 6 players born 2003 or later, so the future seems to be bright for this young team. Germany also has several exciting young players, for example the 16-years old Melina Rutenberg which took her chance when she was on the pitch.

Netherlands Amy Stoel became the best goalscorer of the tournament with her 3 goals, all of those made against Germany. We as host for this Women Tournament wants to thank all participating countries that decided to come to Gothenburg, without participating countries it wouldn’t be any Women Friendly Tournament! All the best luck to participated countries with preparations to the upcoming European Deaf Futsal Championship in Montesilvanio, Italy between 13-22 October 2022!

KNDSB Zaalvoetbal
DGSV
EDSO

Thank you everyone for your time and effort during this event!

This would not have been possible without you all amazing volunteers!
Once again, thank you! 💙💛

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Tack alla som på något sätt bidrog till arrangemanget!

Utan er alla fantastiska volontärer så hade detta inte varit möjligt!
Återigen stort tack! 💙💛

Svenska Dövidrottsförbundet
Idrottsklubben SURD

DAY 3 LIVESTREAM | December 19th

09:00 NETHERLANDS - GERMANY (W)
11:00 CZECH REPUBLIC - SWEDEN (M)

DAY 3 LIVESTREAM | December 18th European Deaf Futsal Championship Men Main Round B & Women Friendly TournamentDecember 17-19 | Gothenburg, Sweden

Sweden took an advantage of their skills and, despite not playing their best, won their first game in the Main Round with an astonishing result of 13-0!

Azerbaijan came from a tough loss against Czech Republic while Sweden was fresh when they entered the Main Round for their first game. The expectations on Sweden who finished 4th in the European and World Championship was high, and they really met the expectations when poor Azerbaijan couldn’t handle the Swedish offensive playstyle.

Sweden didn’t start as good as they could, the playing tempo was generally low in the beginning, but everyone could see the big difference in level between Sweden and Azerbaijan. Sweden found several gaps in the Azerbaijan defences but wasn’t clinical enough while the Azerbaijan goalkeeper Shovkat Askarov made several good saves. But it was just a matter of time, and after 5 minutes Sweden finally got their lead through Amadeus Lantz who wall-played with Adam Neverland and scored the lead.

Sweden kept their possession and created several chances but either it wasn’t clinical enough or Askarov stopping those chances. After 12th minute Alexander Neverland chipped a ball over all Azerbaijan players, Nabil Tebibel ran deep and received the ball right in front of the net but instead of shooting he decided to pass forward the ball to Adam Neverland who only needed to tap-in the ball in the empty net.

Sweden extended their lead to 3-0 through a great combination-play by the brothers Neverland, in which the elderly, Alexander, scored. Right before half-time break Sweden extended the lead an additional time when Adam Neverland once again tapped in the goal after a sweet low assist from Aleksandar Skovin. Adam Neverland was involved in all 4 first goals with 2 goals and 2 assists. Sweden went into the changing rooms with a comfortable 4-0 lead which could have been bigger, it wasn’t question whether Sweden would win but how big Sweden would win this game.

Would Sweden lower their tempo and save to the Czech game during the second half? In no way. Sweden went in the second half with a higher tempo and Azerbaijan was broken down, whole 9 goals was scored by Sweden during the second half!
5-0 was very beautiful, once again the brothers Neverlands combined their great skills together. Alexander once again showed he got one of the best foot-coordinator in world, his assists are so precisely it’s unbelievable. Adam Neverlands finishing abilities are also one of the best in world, when they’re in mood they’re unstoppable together.

Sweden went on and scored like every other minutes. 6-0 became 7-0, 8-0, 9-0 whole way to 13-0, even though Sweden rested a few players and allowed the second goalkeeper a few minutes in the pitch. Several players showed great performance during the game, the Neverland brothers, the captain Tebibel who was a such unselfish player today, Skovin & Lantz with their explosive speeds as wingers. Of 9 players, 8 players made at least one goal. Even Oliver Rasinaho who still are working with his rehabilitation made a goal, and it wasn’t just a normal goal – he heeled in the 12-0 lead despite having his back towards the net.

Sweden showed how to play futsal at a very high level, and we can conclude that that Sweden are one of the favourites to win the European Championship in Italy. Despite conceding 8 goals before he went out due to injury, Azerbaijan’s first goalkeeper Askarov was their best player. During crucial period in first half when Sweden bombed with shots, he was the only one in Azerbaijan who gave the team any ounce of hope.

The victory against Azerbaijan wasn’t only a success for Sweden, but also for Czech Republic which also got qualified to European Championship since Azerbaijan couldn’t finish at second place. Tomorrow at 11.00 the group-finale will kick off, is Sweden going to win the group or will Czech Republic get the benefit of having a rest day today? Do not miss this exciting game which will be broadcasted live at this Facebook-page!

Svensk Dövfutsal
EDSO

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Another great defensive effort from Sweden against Netherlands ensured their victory in the Women Friendly Tournament after double wins!

Sweden followed up their win against Germany with another win in less than 24 hours when Netherlands stood as opponent this Saturday. Netherlands became the 4th best team in world after their 3-4 loss against Germany in the bronze game during World Championship in Switzerland 2019, so it was another tough opponent that Sweden faced after the surprising victory against Germany.

The defence seemed to be top priority for both team as they were solid & compact, there wasn’t an offensive gamestyle from either team. There were a few moments that the teams got through their opponent’s defence but both side goalkeepers could handle all the chances that appeared. It wasn’t until after around 10 minutes when the first goal was scored, Sarah Hyrenius caught the ball and counterattacked through Netherlands defence before she decided to take a chance with a low and hard shot. The shot went between a defender and the goalkeeper’s legs, 1-0.

After the goal Netherlands started to take over more and more which forced the Swedish goalkeeper, Alexandra Polivanchuk, to make several crucial saves. Sweden also had a few good counterattacks, particular from the youngster Paulina Boksz that caused troubles in the Netherlands defence. However no more goals were scored during first half and Sweden could breathe during the half-time after being pressured at the end.

The second half continued from the first half with similar picture of the game, Netherlands had a bigger possession while Sweden focused on their organized defence. Those moments Netherlands broke through the defence, Polivanchuk was there and kept doing crucial saves. Having a such great goalkeeper helped the Sweden to gain confidence during whole game. Everyone literally was waiting for Netherlands to finally score but, once again Sweden was clinical when they got their chance. Sarah Hyrenius, another player that did an amazing performance today, won a duel of the ball with a Netherlands defender and served the ball forward to Boksz who made her second goal of the tournament.

There wasn’t much time left and Netherlands decided to play with a flying player, but it only took 1 minute before Sweden extended their lead to 3-0 after Netherland made a failed pass that Sarah Hyrenius caught up and decided to chance with a shoot from half of the field and it worked, the ball went in the net. However, Netherlands finally got their goal when Bernice Leming scored by her stomach (!) after an in-kick from Henrianne Jansen.

Netherlands kept playing with a flying player and wasn’t lacking chances but Polivanchuk, who probably was the best player of the day, stopped everything. It didn’t appear another goal and Sweden could triumph with their second win in row which gave them victory in the Women Friendly Tournament despite not all games being played yet!

Sweden can lay off now and enjoy their success during this tournament by beating two strong teams in Germany & Netherlands, who finished 3rd respective 4th during last World Championship. Both those team will face each other tomorrow morning at 9.00, in a decisive match which team will be the runner up in this tournament.

Sweden won the tournament through their defence skills, tactical gameplay and goalkeeping skills while being crucial in every offensive chance they got. Three players scored two goals each; Tebibel, Boksz & Hyrenius but the best player was probably the goalkeeper, Alexandra Polivanchuk with all her crucial saves during the tournament!

KNDSB Zaalvoetbal
Svensk Dövfutsal
EDSO