Răducu: Romania opener key to beating Belgium
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
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Emil Răducu struck Romania's first goal in their 6-1 defeat of Belgium and told UEFA.com that the opening strike was key, while Alain Dopchie praised the winners' "efficiency".
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Emil Răducu, Romania forward
It was a difficult game, but it is very good for us that we won. It is very important to do that in the first game, especially against the hosts. The first game is always the hardest.
We just went out there to see what would happen. We knew they were very good on the ball, one-on-one, so we had prepared for that. Maybe our experience counted in our favour, but I know they have some good players with experience – players who have played in the UEFA [Futsal] Cup. It was pretty even in that sense.
The atmosphere was very good. We had some supporters, but the hosts had a lot. That made it a little bit harder, but it was good that we won.
It is so important to score the first goal. Even in a EURO the first goal is very important. After we scored the second one, it was a case of the more the better.
Nelu Stancea, Romania coach
I have to congratulate my players, but not only them – the spectators too. The atmosphere was excellent and it made for a difficult game, but I think we got it right tactically. I would like to thank the spectators and especially our fans – 200 of them who came specially from Romania.
Alain Dopchie, Belgium coach
Looking at the first half, my team played well – very well – but two important incidents led to two goals, and that was the difference between us and them. We started the second half really well, but they made it 3-0. We made it 3-1 and it might have been 3-2 – I didn't see the foul [for a disallowed goal]. Maybe that would've changed the complexion of the game if it had been allowed.
But ten minutes in futsal is a very long time and we tried to play with a flying keeper and it's always the same. If you look at their goalkeeper, he got the ball and put it in the goal [to make it 5-1] and for me that's the difference between Belgium and [Romania].
It was very difficult for us to score – Romania were very organised. I think the crowd left the hall with the same feeling as me: that 6-1 was harsh and it did not reflect the game. I was confident [when we pulled a goal back]. If we could have made it 3-2, it would have been a boost, but the boost never came and that's the reason why we lost our momentum.
