Spain hold nerve to down Slovenia

Slovenia did not make it easy but Spain ensured they opened UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 Group B with victory.

Looking for a fourth straight title and meeting a team who had lost all five previous finals games, Spain had to work hard to go ahead through Miguelín only for Alen Fetič to equalise. Aicardo restored the lead, however, and two Torras goals ensured that Slovenia – backed by more than 2,000 fans in Zagreb – will need a result on Thursday against Ukraine.

In the second minute Rok Mordej broke through for Slovenia but could not beat Luis Amado, appearing in his record seventh final tournament. However Spain were in control and Torras hit a post after a neat one-two with Borja. On eight minutes it was Mordej's turn to hit an upright.

Aljoša Mohorič, in Slovenia's goal, did well to stop a Borja flick and he also dived at the feet of late Spain call-up Miguelín. But Mohorič was helpless in the 15th minute when Alemao set up Miguelín to smash in a shot on his Futsal EURO debut.

Within a couple of minutes, though, Rok Grzelj slipped the ball to Fetič, who beat Amado from a tight angle. Spain pressed hard to get their lead back but not even the evergreen Kike could beat Mohorič before the break.

For five minutes of the second half that continued but then from distance another man making his tournament bow as a late injury selection, Aicardo, made it 2-1. Miguelín then turned provider as his cross from the right was turned in at the far post by Torras.

The FC Barcelona man then had his second goal, sweeping in Sergio Lozano's ball following a swift team move. Mordej's fine display was rewarded with a well-struck consolation but Spain may already be through when they take on Ukraine on Saturday.