Incoming! In the last five years, if there's one thing that's assaulted the sporting consciousness of folks in India, it's been the almost ceaseless conveyor belt of one sporting league after another. Novelty gone you say? How about futsal?
The football-like game, yet played on a much smaller surface and with different rules, the sport is the latest to touch down on Indian shores with the Premier Futsal League and it begins today with the first round of matches taking place in Chennai over three days.
Two groups of three teams each following a round robin format before the semifinals and final. Action begins today and here's a look ahead to our kickoff game.
Livestream and Kick-off time
Chennai 5s v Mumbai 5s will kick-off on July 15 at 7 pm. The match is the first fixture of the league and Group A. The home team from Chennai will be the first to take to the courts and they face the team from Mumbai. Watch live streaming of Chennai 5s vs Mumbai 5s on SonyLiv. Follow live scores and commentary of the Premier Futsal League on Sportskeeda. The match will be telecast live on Sony Six, Sony ESPN and Sony AATH. It will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.
Team News
The Chennai team, owned by The Hindu, is headlined by Falcao (not Radamel), a legend when it comes to this sport. He's won the equivalent of football's Ballon d’Or four times and even been voted best player at two World Cups. You should check out a video package of this guy's skills. Considering that, Chennai should feel confident in having one of the best exponents in the game in their side to go with a manager in Ney Pereira who is as accomplished as their marquee player.
Unlike football, futsal is more of an avenue for tricks, flicks and skills to be showcased, so this is definitely a huge plus for the home side. Romulo and French freestylist Sean Garnier are the other star attractions in the side.
Mumbai's marquee player is none other than Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs. The confines of a futsal court are not large enough for Giggs to go off on one of those famous dizzying runs of his, but you reckon the Welsh wizard is going to come up with a plan nevertheless.
Owned by ace designer Dilip Chabria, the Mumbai team has a big Italian influence with their manager Felice Mastropiero and Brazilian born Italian player Foglia in their ranks. Foglia was voted Futsal’s best player in 2003 and is known for his goalscoring ability.
Prediction
Considering that goals are the norm rather than the exception in futsal, the first game promises to be a high scoring one. Chennai, I'd say have a slight edge.
Line-ups
Chennai 5s Coach: Ney Pereira Marquee Player: Falcao International futsallers: Espindola (GK), Romulo, Cirilo, Camilo, Rion Freestyler: Sean Garnier Indian futsallers: Faraz Abdul Azzez, Younus Pasha, Yash, Rohit Suresh (GK), S Nannda, Haroon
Mumbai 5s Coach: Felice Mastropiero Marquee Player: Ryan Giggs International futsallers: Luis Amado (GK), Foglia, Angellot, Ramirez, Federico Perez Freestyler: Pablo Indian futsallers: Jo Paul Bence (GK), Chanpreet, Shubham Mane, Emmanuel, Akshay Nair, Shimyu
