Facing opposition from FC Tirana (Albania) and Mag Varna FC (Bulgaria) the Sheffield Team learnt the hard way that English teams will have to improve their tactical awareness of this FIFA and UEFA approved version of 5 a side football before they can begin to compete on the European stage.

The competition opened with the game between Tirana and Hallam. Watched by FA Chairman Geoff Thompson and delegates from UEFA - the game unfolded predictably with Sheffield Hallam’s direct approach contrasting with the patient possession playof their opponents.

The Albanians demonstrated how it should be done with decisive quick breaks lead by Ami Mullai - the player of the tournament.

His ability to run with the ball and beat back-pedalling opponents in one-on-one situation was the major factor behind the 4-0 scoreline in Tirana’s favour at half time.

The half time team-talk by Sheffield manager Jon Grey must have been inspirational, for his Team emerged for the second half reinvigorated. The score line was rescued to 4-4 as Sheffield attacked with greater aggression, speed and invention.

Shocked by the transformation Tirana roused themselves and once again were able to rely on Mullai to lead two counterattacks in the final five minutes that sealed the match 6-4 to the Albanians.

The second game of the tournament featured Mag Varna and Tirana and followed a very similar pattern as the first.

By half time Tirana were leading 3-1 with Mullai having scored a first half hat-trick matched only by a thunderous strike from Hristov Tsvetam. Further goals for the Albanians seemed assured.

However Tirana tired rapidly in the second half and the fragile confidence of the Bulgarians began to grow as they enjoyed more possession and then a second and third equalising goal.

The final five minutes of the competition provided a poor advert for the game as both teams settled for the 3-3 scoreline and a point each.

With two teams qualifying to the next round of the competition in Poland or Hungary the last match of the Tournament still had everything to play for.

The match between Sheffield and the Bulgarians started well for the English side but some poor finishing gave the Bulgarians hope and they began to take their own opportunities

Hallam were repeatedly guilty of giving the ball away in key defensive positions and were decisively punished. A 5-1 scoreline in favour of Mag Varna was an illustration of the necessity to take your chances in this free scoring game.

As the score mounted Sheffield exceeded their five accumulated fouls and conceded three ten metre penalties all of which were saved by the outstanding Smith in the Hallam goal.

The final score of 13-6 to Mag Varna confirmed that the Bulgarians would finish as winners of the group and travel onto the next round of the competition in Hungary.

It also confirmed that such aspirations are currently premature for this Sheffield team who have much work to do if they wish to progress in this competition in future years.

The staging of this UEFA Tournament provided an opportunity to showcase Futsal in England and contribute to an increased awareness of the game that will be required for the sport to develop. It also demonstrated to UEFA that high quality tournaments can be staged in excellent facilities in this country.

The FA is keen to develop Futsal further in the future but in the meantime English teams can only look on enviously at the mastery of an exciting skilful game by others.