By, Danny Caro
3 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Motti Colman scored his first-ever hat-trick as GB marched into the last four of a futsal competition for the first time, as Jonny Cohen’s troops found their shooting boots in a 7-4 victory over Estonia.
With Sam Arghebant dropping out through illness on the morning of Sunday’s match, GB were indebted to another master-class from goalkeeper Danny Berliner, who produced a series of brave saves throughout the game.
Two early saves from the North London Raiders stopper were rewarded when GB forged ahead after six minutes.
A great passing move culminated in Steve Summers setting up Lee Bibring who rifled the ball into the far corner for a picture-book goal.
Summers was leading the Estonians a merry dance as his strength, touch and quick-thinking set up chance after chance for Team GB.
The Redbridge striker was harshly booked for kicking the ball away after 10 minutes but he was involved again minutes later when Danny Sugarman’s shot was flicked on by Jonathan Green, forcing the keeper into a smart block.
Berliner left the crowd open-mouthed with another brilliant save to keep the lead intact following a counter-attack and GB doubled their lead after 16 minutes with a stunning individual effort from the impressive Colman.
He ran virtually the length of the pitch to finish in style and get the crowd off their seats. It was no more than GB deserved.
Green set up Russell Goldstein who almost added a third but GB were hit with a sucker-punch on the stroke of half time as Babutski pulled one back to make it 2-1. Estonia finished the half stroke and there was a heart-in-the-mouth moment as the post came to GB’s rescue.
There was just about time for GB to muster one final attack as Summers set up Bibring who was denied by the keeper.
With the next goal crucial, Summers gave GB the start they were looking for early in the second period. He showed great strength to put a chance of a plate for Ben Sollosi and the JC MSFL Young Player of the Year did the rest to make it 3-1.
A fourth goal was soon to follow as the ice-cool Colman ended another strong run with a fine finish to give his team a vital cushion.
To their credit, Estonia did not let their heads drop and Berliner had no chance with a finish of quality.
The GB stopper was called into action seconds later and from their next attack, the industrious Sugarman used his experience to set up Colman who completed a memorable hat-trick with another classy finish.
Estonia hit the woodwork three times in total, but they scored again after a mistake in the GB defence.
GB continued to march forward with a jinking run from Adam Klein setting up Goldstein who smashed a shot against the post. Summers was then denied by a full-length save from the keeper.
Klein scored the goal his performance deserved, completing a great run by lifting the ball over the keeper for a delicious finish to confirm GB’s spot in the semis.
GB manager Jonny Cohen said: “We’ve completed stage two of our objective but defensively, we are still not doing what we’ve talked about.
“But what pleased me most about today is that we’ve taken chances, something we haven’t done in our first couple of matches.
“The boys are gutted about Sam Arghebant missing the match through illness. We dedicate this win to him.
“I told Motti before the game not to leave anything in his locker and he didn’t. The difference today was our finishing.
“Danny Berliner was also magnificent, as were all the boys. I think he’s been player of the tournament so far. This is his game and I expect the highest standards from him. He did not disappoint today. He’s the bravest person I’ve ever seen in a sporting arena.”
Looking ahead to the semi-finals, Cohen said: “Lithuania and Spain are both very tough opponents. This is what we’ve talked about but the boys have done very well and are going in the right direction.
“I have lots of belief in the squad and believe the boys can win things.”
Hat-trick hero Motti Colman said: “Estonia are a good side but we played a tight and compact game. This result shows that our eight-month preparations are paying off as we’ve trained so hard for this.
“Now we have to try and win GB’s first futsal medal.”
“The boys were ruthless today,” coach Danny Berg commented. “Now we can’t wait for the semis.”
