Futsal, all eyes on Cyprus: San Marino face final showdown tomorrow

San Marino’s national futsal team will take to the court tomorrow at 15:00 to face Cyprus in the last of their three matches in the Preliminary Round of Qualifying for the 2028 World Cup. After a tough opener against Latvia, the Titans come into the game on the back of an excellent performance against hosts Albania. The Red and Blacks edged yesterday’s encounter 2-1, a result that left Osimani’s side full of regrets. In particular, it was the story of a first half in which San Marino were unable to make the most of several clear and gilt‑edged chances to score. At the other end, Albania delivered a lesson in ruthlessness – scoring at the beginning and the end of the opening period and failing to find the net in the second half. The restart, in fact, produced fewer chances overall, but the Biancoazzurri showed greater cutting edge, finding the net through Matteo Chezzi. Unfortunately, the equaliser that could have reopened the race for second place never arrived.

Second place is now within reach only for Cyprus, the side against whom the Titans are aiming to secure a positive result – something which, as seen yesterday against highly rated Albania, is well within their grasp. In the San Marino camp there is some doubt over the fitness of Luca Zafferani: he underwent an ultrasound scan at a private clinic in Tirana this morning, which ruled out the feared adductor tear. The Virtus player took part in part of the morning training session with his team-mates and will attempt to grit his teeth in order to be available to Osimani for tomorrow’s match. The Head Coach has been working on involving the goalkeeper directly in virtually all phases of build-up play, suggesting that we may see a new‑look San Marino against Cyprus – a team that has already evolved significantly over the years in terms of their on‑field attitude and technical‑tactical approach.