If they didn’t wear a different jersey, it would be very complicated to differentiate them from the outfield players. Because in futsal, goalkeepers don’t necessarily wear gloves. Far from being a stylistic choice, this detail has a real influence on the game. If they are not required to cover their hands, unlike goalkeepers in eleven-a-side football, it is for reasons techniques.
First, in their discipline, the ball is size 4. One less than footballs. And more complicated to capture, therefore. “We have a lot more connection with the ball,” commented Louis Marquet, goalkeeper of the French team, before leaving for the Futsal World Cup. Where the Blues will also challenge Paraguay, this Monday in the quarter-final. The 31-year-old does not wear gloves. But it is however equipped with elbow and knee pads, to protect itself during dives.
“We suffer a lot of hits, much more than in eleven-a-side football,” continues Louis Marquet. This is logical because in futsal, teams create more chances. » More stops to make, therefore more dives, logically. Which, with repetition, can quickly cause bruises, on a surface harder than footballers’ grass. Equipping yourself and protecting yourself therefore becomes a necessity for the majority of futsal goalkeepers. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
To protect their hands, they frequently put straps on their fingers or wrists. Because the strikes suffered are sometimes overpowering, at point blank range, and in the absence of gloves, you might as well ensure a little firmness. This method has the advantage of hardly bothering the goalkeepers on hand throws, during which you have to be extremely precise given the small size of the field.
Because in the game, the goalkeepers have an essential role. “The goalkeeper is 60 or 70% of the team,” assures Ayoub Saadaoui, winger of the Blues. He even has to score at times. » In futsal, its contribution to construction is essential. The first balls go from him and he has to touch many more in the match than in an eleven-a-side football match.
So, the goalkeeper sometimes goes far from his goals and becomes a real field player. To bring the surplus into the opposing camp. “We participate a lot in the game,” develops Louis Marquet. We have to go up, create the gap, strike when the opportunity presents itself. » Yes, luckily he wears a different jersey.