Battling 3-3 draw against FC Dynamo qualifies Nuno Dias's side for UEFA Futsal Cup showdown
Sporting CP are once again in the UEFA Futsal Cup Final Four and it is thoroughly deserved. Nuno Dias and Co. are the only side to have come out on top against a seeded team, with Kairat Almart (Group A), Ugra Yugorsk (Group B) and Inter FS (Group C) all topping their respective groups.
Skipper João Matos opened the afternoon's scoring with a brilliant volley that almost blew the roof of the Odivelas Multiuse Arena with an absolute eruption from the capacity crowd. It was just the first of three Sporting CP goals brought about from set pieces. The notched up the pressure in response, while Merlin came close to extending the lead on two occasions.
The squandered chances eventually brought their cruel comeuppance, with Dynamo equalising when Cirilo linked up with a pass from Robinho. It soon turned into a disastrous couple of minutes for Sporting CP, when Fukin found space in front of goal after a slip up from Déo to put the Russians into the lead.
Whatever Nuno Dias said to his side at the break, it worked wonders. An almost flawless performance saw individual errors all but disappear and Dynamo were forced onto the back foot. The fans cranked up the noise and goal looked inevitable, despite delays caused by some fantastic saved pulled off by Gustavo in the Russian goal. However, the Dynamo keeper could do little to keep out a missile from Diogo.
Nuno Dias asked for more from his side and João Matos responded with a pass to Fortino inches from goal, giving the Italian the easiest of tap ins.
Cirilo levelled again for Dynamo with 5:45 left on the clock and the Russians made the inevitable move of introducing and advanced goalkeeper. Again the Russians came and again Sporting CP resisted, holding out for the draw and a place in the UEFA Final Four courtesy of goal difference.