Deivid gives thanks to futsal
Friday, April 25, 2008
Article summary
Deivid's spectacular goals for Fenerbahçe SK lit up this year's UEFA Champions League and the Brazilian credits futsal with the development of his skills.
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Futsal development
The spectacular goals of Deivid book-ended the run, from his acrobatic volley against FC Internazionale Milano on Matchday 1 and his stunning long-range drive versus Chelsea FC. The Brazilian's secret? The small-sided game in which the European club finals begin today in Moscow, futsal. "I started playing futsal when I was seven and played until I was 12," Deivid told uefa.com. "It helped a lot and it still helps me, especially in situations when you need to dribble or run in short spaces."
Brazilian secret
Brazil will certainly be well-represented in the squads for the UEFA Futsal Cup final four, in which hosts MFK Dinamo Mosvka, Russian rivals MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg, Kairat Almaty and ElPozo Murcia FS will all aim to lift the trophy on Sunday. Deivid is in no doubt that his nation's devotion to the small-sided side game helps explain their remarkable football prowess. "In Brazil we used to play football on the streets, with not much space and a small goal," the 28-year-old said. "It is similar to futsal. And I think this is one of our secrets, in general, as to why Brazilians are more skilful. You have to find solutions within seconds and in not much space."