The England Futsal squad suffered a disappointing setback against Sweden in Orebro in front of a partisan crowd after losing a tight game 3-2.
England will be frustrated that they were not able to compound their good performance from the previous night, and indeed if they had played at the same level as in the first game, which ended in a 3-3 draw, the Lions would surely have won this second match.
The first half was a rather torrid affair, with both teams struggling to get into the contest. Sweden had altered their game plan from the previous evening, and decided to defend deeply and wait for England to concede possession so that they could strike on the counter-attack.
Sweden 3-2 England
24 February 2014
Orebro, Sweden
Sweden Goals: Legiec (21, 30, 36)
England Goals: Parkes (21), Asp (og, 39)
By Simon Walker
And this ploy was effective for a large portion of the first half. England were slow to get into their usual fluent passing style, but once they found their rhythm the Lions probably shaded the first period, but 0-0 at half time was a fair reflection of the game.
The second half burst into life with two goals in the first minute after half-time. The outstanding Kristian Legiec opened the scoring with a thunderbolt that flew past James Dalton into the top-corner.
But Sweden’s lead was short-lived, as 30 seconds later Ian Parkes bundled the ball into the back of the net to equalise.
The game began to heat up with both sides having several half-chances to extend their lead. The intensity and speed of the game increased, with both sides becoming far more open. This significantly played into the hands of Sweden: a more physical and confrontational side better equipped for a traditional 5-a-side battle.
By allowing themselves to get sucked into this style of match England can only blame themselves. The Lions possess a number of talented and technical Futsal players who have now accrued a great deal of experience of international Futsal (indeed Ben Mortlock earned his 50th cap in this game), and in recent times, an on-form England would have slowed the play down and dictated the game in accordance with their game-plan to pick off the Swedes.
But it wasn’t to be, and Sweden’s Legiec slotted home his second goal after a well-worked free-kick that left him with space at the back post in the 30th minute. 2-1 and the momentum was all with Sweden, and England had to turn to the ever-reliable Dalton to make a string of incredible saves to keep the Lions in the match.
England were teetering and when Legiec scored his hat-trick with four minutes left of the game, it looked like the nail in the coffin.
But even though the England players were not at their best, you had to admire their resolve. The scoreline visibly affected their pride, and a new determination came to their play.
England probed and attacked with more quality and began to pepper the Swedish goal with shots. Finally a Sam Murphy long-distance pile-driver was deflected into the back of the net by Swedish captain Nicklas Asp to make it 3-2.
But with only 46 seconds left on the clock England had left it too late, and had to acknowledge that the home team deserved their victory.
England will be disappointed as they know that they have played and beaten better teams than this one, but on this occasion too many players were unable to perform at the level that they are capable off.
They will also be frustrated that they allowed themselves to become absorbed in a 5-a-side battle which played into the hands of the Swedes.
On the positive side, England in both of these matches pressed higher up the pitch and looked far more menacing going forward which are elements that will stand the squad in good stead for future games. The Lions will not have to wait long to have an opportunity to avenge this defeat when they take on Wales in Cardiff on the 23 March.
Attendance: 880
