Cirilo stars as Russia get going

Cirilo underlined his status as one of the best futsal players in the world with a tremendous hat-trick to give Russia victory against Serbia.

Sublime winner
His two first-half strikes seemed to have put 2005 UEFA European Futsal Championship runners-up Russia in control, but a flurry of goals after the break allowed Serbia to pull it back to 3-3. However a sublime effort by Cirilo and a late Vladislav Shayakhmetov clincher ensured Russia joined holders Spain on three Group B points.

Early goal
Russia started with Brazilian-born duo Pelé Junior and Cirilo, who were naturalised this year, and both made an immediate impact. Pelé shot wide on 42 seconds and just past the one-minute mark Cirilo marked his competitive debut with a superb goal as he turned Serbia captain Bojan Pavićević and, as he fell, shot past 43-year-old goalkeeper Predrag Brzaković.

Lead doubled
Serbia gradually settled in the game with Željko Borojević troubling the Russia defence, but even after Pelé and Cirlio were given a rest the 1999 champions continued to press and Shayakhmetov twice made Brzaković save. Predrag Rajić showed some nice footwork before rattling the post, while at the other end Pavel Chistopolov somehow turned Shayakhmetov's free-kick wide. However, Cirilo returned to the pitch and scored again, pouncing after Brzaković parried a Pavel Kobzar shot. Serbia ended the first half brightly but openings were hard to come by.

Quick response
But that changed just four minutes into the second half, Vladan Cvetanović's angled pass played perfectly for Rajić to rifle in. Russia’s response was instant, Kobzar's cross given a strong finish by Damir Khamadiev. That did not dishearten Serbia, who again pulled one back as the impressive Marko Perić struck in from outside the box.

Russia prevail
Certainly, Serbia were belying their status as underdogs in their first final tournament for eight years, more than holding their own and Rajić equalised with exactly ten minutes left after another fine pass from Cvetanović. Serbia had their chances but Cirilo completed his hat-trick in style as he chipped over Igor Šoša and shot in before Shayakhmetov put the result beyond doubt.