Spain knocks out the favorite Portugal to win its eighth Futsal European Championship
Spain has won its eighth Futsal European Championship after defeating Portugal 5-3 in the final held in Ljubljana.
Spain has secured its eighth Futsal European Championship title by defeating the reigning champions Portugal with a score of 5-3 in a thrilling final held at the Arena Stozice in Ljubljana. The match saw a standout performance from Antonio Pérez, who scored a hat trick and played a crucial role in leading his team, managed by Jesús Velasco, to victory. The game was tightly contested, with Spain consistently maintaining a lead, culminating in a final goal from Adolfo just five seconds before the end of the match, solidifying their win against Portugal, who had been chasing the score throughout the game.
This victory is significant for Spain as it serves as a form of revenge for their painful loss to Portugal in the 2018 Euro Championship final, where they were defeated in overtime. The historical context of the rivalry between the two teams adds to the weight of this victory, especially since Portugal, led by Bruno Coelho, had also previously eliminated Spain in the 2022 semi-finals. With this win, Spain not only claims the title but also restores its prestigious status in European futsal following previous successes in 1996, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012, and 2016.
The triumph reflects a strong showing from La Roja throughout the tournament, illustrating their dominance in this sport and setting a new benchmark for future competitions. Coach Jesús Velasco, making his debut in a major tournament, has reinforced Spain's position as a leading force in futsal. The victory is expected to boost not only the morale of the team but also the popularity of futsal in Spain and across Europe, positioning the country for continued success in upcoming tournaments.