Famous Quotes on Futsal
"I came out of futsal and developed my skills in this way of football and play in the
same way now as I did on the futsal courts."
DENILSON
"Everything I had as a Brazilian player I owed to futsal."
ZICO
"This (futsal) is how I really got started.This is my love,the thing that I enjoyed the
most."
RONALDO
"I played futsal growing up in Baurd. In futsal you need to think quick and play quick
so its easier for you when you move to normal football."
PELE
"I played futsal (small-sided indoor football) right up until I turned
professional at 16. I think Brazilian football has reached the level it has because of
futsal. The pitches are smaller. The goals are smaller. You have to be faster in
everything you do; particularly, you have to make quick decisions."
OSCAR DOS SANTOS
FIFA FUTSAL WORLD CUP
The football greats forged by futsal
(FIFA.com) 30 Oct 2012
© AFP2
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For decades now, futsal has been a popular and much-loved sporting discipline,
especially in South America and southern Europe. And while the indoor version of
football is rapidly growing in popularity elsewhere now, thanks to FIFA's patronage
and the support of many leading personalities, it is in countries such as Argentina,
Brazil, Spain and Portugal that futsal has proved a breeding ground for some of the
greats of the game.
The list is topped by Lionel Messi. The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year and
Barcelona's all-time leading scorer took his first tentative steps with a ball in the
colours of Newell's Old Boys, although he played futsal rather than football.
“As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets and for my club. It was
tremendous fun, and it really helped me become who I am today," said the 25-yearold, reflecting on the benefits of the five-a-side version of the game.
Pele and Co convinced by futsal
Messi is by no means the only superstar with futsal roots. Apart from the
Argentinian wizard, the likes of Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Ronaldo
learned the trade in the sports hall.
Cristiano Ronaldo honed his natural ability by playing futsal. “During my childhood
in Portugal, all we played was futsal," he said. "The small playing area helped me
improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal I felt free. If it wasn't for
futsal, I wouldn't be the player I am today."
World and European champion Xavi revealed his love of futsal to UEFA.com, citing
one reason in particular: “In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. In
normal football you don't necessarily identify talent as easily because it's so much
more physical. But with futsal, you notice the small details in quality, class and
tactical understanding."
In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented... you notice the small
details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
Spain and Barcelona star Xavi
The pool of talent produced by futsal is at its biggest in Brazil. Footballing icon Pele
played the indoor game himself: “Futsal requires you to think and play fast. It
makes everything easier when you later switch to football."
Ronaldinho, Juninho, Robinho and rising star Neymar are other notable futsal
products of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ host nation. Arguably the most famous
former Seleção icon is Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer at the FIFA World Cup
finals. The striker took up futsal at the age of 12 and has fond memories of the
period.
“I needed extremely good feet, because you're always attempting to beat opponents
in the minimum of space. I loved the challenge of playing on such a small pitch,"
recalled the former player, a member of the management board of the Local
Organizing Committee for the 2014 tournament.
An emerging force
The indoor discipline’s explosive growth in recent years is well illustrated by
statements from two leading pros operating in the English Premier League and the
German Bundesliga.
Micah Richards, capped 13 times by England to date, used futsal to work on his ball
control. “I improved my technique by playing futsal. It helps you remain more
composed on the ball," the Manchester City right-back told BBC Sport.
And according to Germany U-21 national team captain Lewis Holtby, who also has
two senior caps to his name, futsal is the best way of learning the game. “Young
players in particular can learn a huge amount from futsal," the Schalke midfielder
said in a German FA (DFB) interview. "The heavy ball means it’s in play for longer.
Passing moves and interchanges more often end with a goalscoring chance."
For the future, it is a cast-iron certainty that the fertile ground provided by
futsal will produce a host of the biggest names of tomorrow.
New Zealand plotting futsal progress, present and future
(FIFA.com) 06 Feb 2016
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New Zealand have never qualified for a FIFA Futsal World Cup, but work has been
going on to change this for several years. A meticulous plan is in place to achieve
this goal and, more importantly, to turn futsal into a mainstream sport in the
country.
Marvin Eakins is perhaps the best example of this movement.
An international since 2008 and the national team captain since 2010, Eakins is
more than just a talismanic presence on the court for the All Whites, who are
gearing up to begin their challenge at the OFC Futsal Championship in Fiji on 8
February, where a solitary ticket to Colombia 2016 is up for grabs.
At just 29, the pivot has taken on an active role in developing the sport in his
homeland, as shown by his involvement in the Futsal Coaching Course staged by
FIFA in conjunction with New Zealand Football (NZF) in Auckland from 6 to 10
December 2015.
"Us national team players have a real chance to help young players to grow," Eakins
toldFIFA.com. "Kids around these parts have futsal heroes these days. Anything we
can give back to them from that position can only be positive," added the iconic
skipper, who, as well as playing, holds the posts of Futsal Development Officer and
youth coach at the Auckland Football Federation.
Exponential growth
The above-mentioned course was designed to equip futsal coaches to lead the NZF's
Level 2 Coaching Award scheme and was one of the main events among two weeks
of activities that also included a series of three friendlies against Fiji, all of which the
Kiwis won.
"In countries like New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, it's vital that players get
involved in this way," Scott Gilligan, the FIFA instructor in charge of the course and
the Futsal Whites coach since 2012, explained to FIFA.com.
"They, more than anyone, know the technique required to play futsal and how to
apply it tactically," added the 54-year-old Australian, who taught similar courses in
2012 and 2013. "Every player taking on board more concepts and returning to their
region with this knowledge is crucial in order to popularise the sport and increase
the player pool for the future."
FIFA's first input into New Zealand's futsal scene came through the 'Win in Oceania
with Oceania' campaign, which ran in 2009 and 2010. Since then, the number of
players taking part in the country's leagues, programs and festivals has grown
exponentially, jumping from 5,050 in 2011 to 57,648 in 2015.
"Our work has been based on developing futsal across the board," revealed Dave
Payne, the Futsal Development Manager at NZF. "We work with kids, youths and
older people, both male and female; we've introduced it at schools and universities,
but we've also targeted training referees and administrators. As a result, we have
players reaching the national team today who have picked up the fundamentals of
the sport at the grassroots level."
From foundations to domination?
This crop of up-and-coming players steeped in the game is a key factor in the eyes of
Eakins, who only started playing futsal at the age of 20: "We've already got players
who are five times better than me for that reason: they've been playing for almost a
lifetime. With experienced coaches, they can only improve. They will be the bedrock
for New Zealand to dominate futsal in the region for many years."
When asked what role Colombia 2016 qualifying results would have on the
development of futsal in New Zealand, Easkins responded: "A critical one," without a
moment's hesitation. He continued: "International success would provide huge
exposure here and act as inspiration to young people."
Irrespective of whether or not the Kiwis qualify for this year's global showpiece,
though, Payne already has his sights on the next one in 2020: "By that time we will
have specialists who, at the age of 18, will already have 10 years of experience. That
makes us very optimistic." Gilligan agrees. He said: "I have no doubt that, if the
federation continues its support, New Zealand will be in a position to qualify for
every World Cup from 2020 on."
Eakins is equally bullish about the here and now: "We're better prepared than any
other team in New Zealand's history and we're confident of qualifying. We feel that
we're the best side in Oceania, we just have to show it out on the pitch. We will make
history by qualifying for Colombia 2016 and this will be the start of a legacy that will
make those who follow us proud."
Improve your five-a-side with futsal
The world's most skillful player, Brazilian indoor footballer and YouTube sensation
Falcao, offers a detailed lesson in the small-sided game
image:
http://images.cdn.fourfourtwo.com/sites/fourfourtwo.com/files/styles/performan
ce_byline/public/pictures/picture-81-1441893019.png?itok=6jHn8mUm
BALL CONTROL
“Close control is fundamental to this game and to master the technique you have to
train with the ball every day. A good training method is to stand in front of a wall
and kick the ball against it, using different parts of the your foot and varying the
power and curl you put on it. Do this with either foot. Then, when you prepare to
control the ball, try to vary the part of your body you control the ball with. This will
help to prepare your touch for all situations.”
SHOOTING
“A lot of players make the mistake of just shooting at the target without any thought.
When I train to improve my shooting technique I make sure that when I get in front
of goal, I get my head up, look where the goalkeeper is, relax and always try to hit a
specific part of the goal. Visualize yourself scoring before you shoot.”
PASSING
“The two key elements to passing in small-sided football are speed and the firmness
of the pass. When you’re waiting to receive the ball look around to see where the
opposition is, where your team-mates are and where the open space is, so that when
you get the ball you know what you’re going to do with it. This will speed up the
movement and release of the ball. Then make sure your pass is firm because space is
tight and defenders will be close."
COMMUNICATION
“Ideally the best talker in your team will play in defense. From this position he can
see the whole game – they can tell players when to pass, when they have a man on
and where to move. This helps the other players to concentrate on attacking
because they are receiving instructions from a team-mate who can see everything.”
ORGANIZATION
“From a defensive perspective, the less you move, the harder you will be to break
down. The best way to defend in small-sided football is zonally. You use a lot of
energy so don’t waste it chasing the ball into areas where the opposition can’t hurt
you. Defend your zone.”
FITNESS
“There’s no better way to improve your fitness for small-sided football than playing
the game. But I’d also recommend interval training: sprint hard for a few minutes,
then slow the pace for a couple, and then sprint hard again. Repeat this for the same
amount of time as your games last. Train as though you’re always on the move.”
Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/performance/skills/improve-yourfive-side-futsal#KRyk0MbDkBWaT4Qr.99
History of U.S. Futsal
Futsal is a sport that is a derivative of soccer and played with five-man teams on a
basketball style court with no walls and a smaller, low-bouncing ball. Great soccer
superstars such as Pele, Zico, Ronaldo and Neymar grew up playing the game and
credit futsal with developing their skills.
The first FIFA World Cup was held in the Netherlands in 1989. In 1992, the U.S.
Futsal Team set the mark for highest finish for a U.S. Men’s National Team with a
second-place finish behind legendary indoor goalkeeper Victor Nogueira and stars
from the indoor leagues such as Ted Eck, Jim Gabarra and Dale Ervine. The 1992
team also included Jeff Agoos and Fernando Clavijo who later appeared in World
Cups for the full Men’s National Team.
MISL and the other indoor soccer leagues have been providing the Futsal Team with
its player pool since the first games played in 1986. Current U.S. head coach Keith
Tozer, an indoor coaching legend in his own right, was a part of the inaugural team.
In the past few years, futsal has experienced a massive growth in popularity and in
2008, the World Cup was expanded to 20 teams for the first time. Once seen as an
amateur sport, which players would use to hone their skills before transitioning to
the outdoor game, many of the participating nations in the World Cup now sport
their own professional futsal leagues and play dozens of full internationals each
year.
US FUTSAL in the NEWS
Tozer Names
Umag,
Croatia14 Players to Training Camp in
NEWS Jan 13, 2016 0
CHICAGO (Jan. 13, 2016) – U.S. Futsal National Team head coach Keith Tozer has
called 14 players to a training camp from Jan. 22 to Feb. 2. in Umag, Croatia.
The international camp kicks off the 2016 schedule for the U.S. Futsal National Team
which is preparing for the 2016 CONCACAF Futsal Championship taking place in
Costa Rica later this year.
“This trip to Europe is important in our overall preparation for our players and team
for the upcoming qualifiers in May,” said U.S. FNT head coach Keith Tozer. “It helps
me to start identifying players for our final roster and it also prepares players for
competitive matches that will be extremely important to qualify for the FIFA World
Cup.”
The U.S. opens the event with an unofficial game against Croatia on Sunday, Jan. 24,
and follows it with games against Slovenia on Monday and Wednesday. The team
will also face the France U-21 Futsal National Team on Tuesday.
Following a day off, the U.S. will face Lebanon on Friday (Jan. 29) and Sunday (Jan.
31) before finishing the camp with a game against Montenegro on Monday (Feb. 1).
U.S. Futsal National Team Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Eric Ati (Charlotte Independence; Atlanta, Ga), Eduardo Macias
(City Futsal; Dallas, Texas)
DEFENDERS (3): Nelson Santana (Ontario Fury; Santa Clara, Calif.), Jessie Zamudio
(ABK; Grand Rapids, Mich.), Paul Whitener (Sporting Kansas City; Kansas City, Mo.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Julian Escobar (NY Ecuador Futsal Club; New York, N.Y.), Diego
Bobadilla (Cedar Rapids Titans; Grand Rapids, Mich.), Drew Ducker (Unattached;
Detroit, Mich.), Felipe Gonzalez (Las Vegas Legends; Las Vegas, Nev.), Antonio
Manfut (Syracuse Silver Knights; Cleveland, Ohio), Lucas Stauffer (Creighton
University; Omaha, Neb.)
FORWARDS (3): Ricardo Lopez-Espin (Creighton University; Miami, Fla.), Alex
Mendez (Davenport University; Grand Rapids, Mich.), Stephen Milhoan (Team
Challenger FC; Akron, Ohio)
US DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY TWEETS
1. 18h18 hours ago
Bryan Reynolds and Adrian Munoz, both from
@FCDallasYouth, were the top performers from
this year's regional Futsal Showcase in Dallas.
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U.S. Soccer Academy @ussoccer_acad 18h18 hours ago
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The two standout players from the Futsal
Showcase in Allentown, PA were Matteo
Ritaccio (@BWGSoccer) and Alexsi Morel
(@NYCFC). Congrats!
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U.S. Soccer Academy @ussoccer_acad 18h18 hours ago
Congrats to the @ussoccer_acad top
performers from the NC Futsal Showcase: Isaiah
Reid (@CSA_Soccer) and Yang Scofano
(@SC_Battery)!
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U.S. Soccer Academy @ussoccer_acad Feb 10
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U.S. Soccer Academy @ussoccer_acad Feb 7Allentown, PA
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U.S. Soccer Technical Advisor Cris da Silva speaks to lehighvalleyunited players
after an… instagram.com/p/BBf2Mw1tiwH/
https://www.
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U.S. Soccer Academy @ussoccer_acad Feb 7Allentown, PA
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Impressive footwork and a back-heel goal for @newyorkredbulls.
#WorldClassDA @ Lou Ramos Center instagram.com/p/BBfyS1kNi2m/
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U.S. Soccer Academy @ussoccer_acad Feb 7Allentown, PA
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Saved by the woodwork! Despite being down 1-3, @njcsasoccer continues to
attack the Baltimore… instagram.com/p/BBfth3Fti5K/
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8.
U.S. Soccer Academy Retweeted
Carolina Rapids USDA @RapidsAcademyNC Feb 7
Great weekend for the Carolina Rapids 14s at the US Soccer Academy Futsal
Event @CarolinaRapids @ussoccer_acad