体坛英语新闻：Spain, Russia kick off Euro Futsal campaigns with easy wins

BUDAPEST, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Spain notched up emphatic wins over Slovenia and Belarus respectively on Wednesday, the second day of the UEFA European Futsal Championship.

The 12-team event, taking place in Hungary between Jan. 19 and Jan. 30, kicked off on Tuesday in Budapest with wins for Azerbaijan over Hungary in Group A and Italy over Belgium in Group B.

On Wednesday, Russia beat Slovenia 5-1 here in the opening game in Group C.

Comprised mainly of professional players in contrast to mostly-amateur Slovenia, Russia went 1-0 up from the fourth minute thanks to a Pavel Christopolov strike but were finding it difficult to break down a stubborn Slovenian defence.

Two goals from Christopolov and Pula however within a minute just before half-time effectively ended Slovenia's challenge.

In Wednesday's other game, Spain, winners of the previous two Championships, thrashed Belarus 9-1 in the Group D opener in Debrecen.

The result, the highest margin of victory ever in futsal finals, was sealed by a powerful Spanish performance in the second-half.

The match was still alive at half-time with only one goal separating the teams, but in the second period Spain were able to convert their dominance of possession into goals.

Star striker Javi Rodriguez completed the first hat-trick of the Championship so far.

With Russia and Spain now effectively through to the quarter-finals, Slovenia and Belarus must at least avoid defeat in their remaining group matches against Serbia and Portugal respectively.