Azerbaijan Euros Qualification: The Story of Country Hero Everton Cardoso Playing at the Current Best Futsal Team in Spain

Dual nationality Levante player Everton Cardoso equalised sensationally with 31 seconds remaining to secure Azerbaijan's historic place in the Futsal Euros in 2022 against Slovakia.

Azerbaijan rank 12th in the Futsal World Rankings, the highest ranked futsal team from the Caucasus region and are now certainly perceived as not a force to be reckoned with. A clean sweep of their Group in the qualifiers sees them confirmed winners and their unbeaten streak continue.

Standings of Group 3 of the European Qualifiers for the Championship in 2022 in The Netherlands. (UEFA.com)

An opportunity to emulate their inconceivable 4th place finish in their debuting tournament in Hungary 2010 awaits them heading into the Netherlands next year.

A relatively older average age than most National Teams but possess vast team unity and determination. They've only conceded 6 goals throughout the Group stage which is half of that let in by the more established Italy. Defensive masterclasses in recent times have been greatly influenced by Cardoso whose futsal competence has sent positive impulses through the accompanying Azeris.

The 33-year-old opted for a duel nationality in 2016 consisting of Brazil and Azerbaijan and moved to a team in Spain in a bid for more success.

The Brazilian born man in also making history at Levante who stand top of LNFS and on the brink of their first league title. He has contributed significantly to their success in all aspects as The Frogs have beaten El Pozo and Inter Movistar earlier this season.

Cardoso has been a key asset in the unstoppable force that is the Valencians as he has 8 goals following 25 games for the club in the contemporary campaign, despite being originally positioned as a fixed.

His lengthy spells in Brazil after being born in the Brazilian region Santa Catarina have developed experience like no other.

With the introductions of other futsal veterans like Mario Rivillos and Esteban Guerrero, Levante's recruitment has allowed the club to progress to dominate the toughest league in the world.

Everton Cardoso, not to be confused with the footballer, has brought extra emphasis to his nation and club through his competitive attributes and hopes to leave a legacy behind at the country he turned to.