Moldova stormed to the top of Group B with a resounding 6-1 victory over Wales on the first day of UEFA Futsal EURO 2018 qualifiers while Greece edged past San Marino in the opening match.
GREECE 3-2 SAN MARINO
Two goals from Spyridon Kondylatos helped Greece start the tournament with a victory, but it could have been a different story when captain Sokratis Mourdoukoustas inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net to give San Marino hope with just a few minutes remaining.
Greece enjoyed the majority of possession and caused relentless problems for the San Marino defence, who were indebted to the reactions of goalkeeper Mattia Protti for ensuring they remained in contention for the entire game.
The opening goal from Kondylatos gave Greece the lead at half-time, and when the impressive Dimitrios Ntarlas added a second it looked as if Stefanos Soilemes' side would ease their way to victory.
However, Andrea Ercolani reduced areas, but San Marino were reduced to just three outfield players when Michele Moretti was shown two yellow cards, and Greece capitalised on their numerical advantage as Kondylatos added his second.
It would prove to be a nervy end for the dominant side, but they held on for a deserved win.
WALES 1-6 MOLDOVA
Richard Gunney's side went into this qualifying campaign high in confidence having recently won the inaugural home nations Futsal tournament.
However, it proved to be a difficult night as the side suffered a heavy defeat against Moldova and saw star player Rico Zulkairnain sent off for a second yellow card in the final few minutes.
Moldova opened the scoring through Andrian Lascu after an exciting start, but Wales levelled through Naim Arsan and looked to bringing themselves back into the match.
However, Moldova increased the pressure, with the talented Cristian Obada scoring a brace before the break. Lascu and Obada were causing a constant problem for Wales, and when Sergiu Tacot added a fourth the game was looking out of Wales' reach.
Further goals from Andrei Negara and Constantin Burdujel followed before Zulkairnain was shown his second yellow card of the evening.
Wales now take on San Marino on Friday, but Moldova now look well on-course to progress after such a convincing victory over the hosts on the opening day with only the group winners heading into the next round.
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