Jack Giordmaina reports on a Copper Box first…
The England men’s futsal team will take on Sweden in a double header clash at the Copper Box this weekend – the first time that they have played in the Olympic venue.
The first game kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday 27 February, with the second clash between the sides at 4pm the next day.
Futsal is a five-a-side game, which is normally played on an indoor pitch with hockey-sized goals and a size four ball which does not bounce like an ordinary football. There are limited restrictions as players are free to enter the penalty area and play the ball over head height. Games are 20 minutes per half and are played to a stopping clock. The game can also be stopped with time-outs.
Despite futsal being around for a number of years, the England national team was formed in 2003 after an increase in the popularity of the sport. The national team competes in friendlies as well as the four nations every year.
The futsal team has not been very successful since being founded in 2002. The team have failed to qualify for two of the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2008 and in 2012 and they have yet to win a four nations tournament.