Russia
Wikipedia - Russia national futsal team
The Russian national futsal team (Russian: Сборная России по футзалу, Sbornaya Rossii po futsalu) is the national futsal team of Russia. The team is controlled by the Russian Football Union and affiliats with UEFA. Because of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, FIFA and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) suspended all Russian teams from FIFA and UEFA competitions, whether national representative teams or club teams.
Russia has qualified for seven World Cups (1992–2000, 2008–2021) and for every edition of the European Championships. They won the European Championships once, in 1999, with their best World Cup coming in 2016 where they finished runners-up to Argentina.
History
Russia's FIFA Futsal World Cup history began inauspiciously in 1992, when a poor defensive record of 16 goals conceded in three matches meant elimination at the group stage. A turnaround in Spain four years later saw the Russians claim a third spot. Russia's most recent appearance on the world stage came at the 2000 finals in Guatemala, where they took fourth after a 4–2 defeat to Portugal in the third-place play-off. At the UEFA Futsal Championship in late 2007, a new generation finished third.[]
Russia was drawn in a group of three nations in qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Brazil 2008, but after France withdrew at the last minute, the berth in the next round was decided in a single eliminator against Serbia. The Russians won 3–2. At the final tournament, Russia was drawn in Group A. Russia finished second and qualified for the second round. This time Russia was drawn in Group F. After losing to Spain in the opening match, Russia went on to scrape through to set up a semi-final against Brazil. However, Russia was unable to past Brazil and eventually placed fourth after losing out to Italy in the Third place playoff final.[]
Because of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the FIFA and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams.
Comprised of talented and experienced players, the Russian futsal team showcases a blend of speed, agility, and precision in their gameplay. Their quick passing, intelligent movement off the ball, and clinical finishing make them a formidable opponent on the court.
Led by a dedicated coaching staff, the team's training regimen focuses on developing individual skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness. This comprehensive approach ensures that each player is well-prepared to contribute to the team's success.
The Russian futsal team's success can be attributed to their strong team spirit and unity. The players exhibit a deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to seamlessly coordinate their movements and execute intricate plays. This cohesion is further enhanced by their shared passion for the game and their unwavering commitment to representing their country with pride.
Off the court, the team is known for their professionalism and sportsmanship. They embody the values of fair play and respect, both towards their opponents and the game itself. Their positive attitude and dedication to continuous improvement make them a respected and admired team in the futsal community.
With a rich history of success and a promising future, the Russian futsal team continues to strive for excellence in every competition they participate in. Their skill, determination, and unwavering support from their fans make them a formidable force in the world of futsal.