Futsal: San Marino beat Switzerland on penalties to secure third place

The Futsal National Team wrapped up their Futsal Week October Cup campaign in Poreč in the best possible way. Roberto Osimani’s men defeated Switzerland in the third-place play-off, prevailing on penalties after a 1-1 draw over the 40 minutes of regulation time. The Titans were flawless from the spot, with Matteo Chezzi converting the kick that sealed a place on the podium.

The match could not have started in a more difficult way for the Titano side: after just six seconds, Berke Celeb put Switzerland in front, making a run behind Maiani and finishing at the far post from Kägi’s brilliant assist. San Marino’s response, however, was immediate and the equaliser arrived as early as the 3rd minute. De Angelis won a free-kick on the edge of the area and, from the ensuing action, it was the number 5 in white and light blue who reacted quickest, pouncing on the ball and firing into the unguarded net after a series of blocked attempts in the Swiss area. The first half continued in a balanced fashion, with both teams aggressive and committing numerous fouls. Switzerland also hit the crossbar, while five seconds before the break Aranya pulled off a stunning save to deny Ercolani. The sides went into half-time locked at 1-1.

In the second half, the two teams continued to go toe to toe, maintaining a substantial balance. Osimani’s men were solid at the back and ready to break whenever the opportunity arose, managing to limit the opposition’s attacking threat. The scoreline remained unchanged through full time, meaning penalties were needed to decide the winner.

From the spot, San Marino were impeccable, converting all five attempts. For Switzerland, by contrast, Arpagaus’ left-footed effort came back off the post, handing victory to the Titans. The decisive penalty was converted by Matteo Chezzi, who had already been a standout performer with a brace in the previous win over Greenland.

Third place provides further confirmation of the growth trajectory of Roberto Osimani’s National Team. It is a result of real significance, achieved despite the absence from the tournament of two key players in Matteo Moretti and captain Danilo Busignani. For the Titano side, it was a display of character and solidity that allowed them to round off their Croatian campaign in the best possible way.

Futsal Week October Cup, DAY 3 | Switzerland – San Marino 1-1 (5-6 pens)

SWITZERLAND

Aranya, Berke Celebi, Kägi, Ljamalari, Marcoyannakis

Substitutes: Arpagaus, Benetti, Tiago Bozza, Bytyqi, Gächter, Hasler, Mannhart, Meleleo, Valentim

Head coach: Mićo Martić

SAN MARINO

Protti, Maiani, Zafferani, Pasqualini, Ercolani

Substitutes: Giulianelli, Barbano, Chezzi, Cola, De Angelis, Beccari, Para, Toccaceli, Michelotti

Head coach: Roberto Osimani

Referee 1: Semir Keserović

Referee 2: Nejc Dušćak

Timekeeper: Dragan Župan

Booked: Ljamalari, Marcoyannakis, Hasler, Ercolani, Pasqualini, Cola

Scorers: 0:06 Berke Celebi, 3:48 De Angelis

Penalty shoot-out: Marcoyannakis (scored), Maiani (scored), Kägi (scored), Cola (scored), Valentim (scored), Pasqualini (scored), Arpagaus (missed), Ercolani (scored), Ljamalari (scored), Chezzi (scored)