The popularity of this game sport is increasing every year. What is futsal, and how is it different from classic football? And do they play it in modern Russia?
What is futsal?
This fast, very dynamic and, at the same time, elegant game is gaining popularity around the world. The term itself comes from a combination of the words "football in the gym."
What is futsal? This is a sports game belonging to the category of team. In fact, this is the same classic football. The only and key difference is that the players are “chasing” the ball not on the green lawn of a football field, but on a hard floor indoors.
The country of Uruguay can be considered the homeland of futsal. The rules of this game were invented, in the 30s of the last century, by a certain Juan Carlos Seriani. The World Futsal Association (AMF) was established only in 2002, although the first world championship in this sport took place back in 1982.
Game features
Futsal is often confused with another similar game - futsal. However, there are significant differences between them. If futsal is a more technical game, in which the accuracy of passing the passes is of particular importance, then futsal is a contact game where a lot of time is spent on a tough fight for the ball.
In fact, the split into two separate sports occurred only in the 80s. Just then the term “futsal” arose for the first time.
Answer the question "what is futsal?" impossible without understanding the rules of this game. So, matches are held on a smooth and hard surface (most often made of wood) of a rectangular area with parameters of 38 by 20 meters (no less). The width of the futsal goal is three meters and the height is 2 meters.
Two teams take part in the game, each of which has five players. Moreover, the number of possible substitutions per match is unlimited. One game lasts, according to official rules, two halves of 20 minutes each. Tutsal is allowed in futsal (which distinguishes this sport from futsal).
Futsal of Russia
They play this exciting game in Russia. The first national championship in this sport was held back in 1993. And the first futsal championship was acquired by the metropolitan Polygran club. By the way, it is he who is the absolute champion in the number of these titles (in all, Polygran has become the champion of Russia in futsal 5 times).
Since 1992, the Russian Futsal Cup has also been regularly held in the country. The strongest futsal clubs in the state are Moscow Polygran, Dynamo and Spartak, as well as Concentrate from Yakutia.
Thus, futsal is a beautiful and dynamic game, which attracts more and more attention every year.