BANGKOK – Japan boss Sergio Sapo paid tribute to the resilience of his players after they survived their first major test at the AFC Futsal Championships by coming from two goals down to see off Australia 4-2.

Christopher Zeballos and Luke Haydon had given the Aussies a 2-0 half-time lead at Nimibutr Stadium only for goals from Yuki Kanayama, Daisuke Ono, Yusuke Inada and a late effort from Yusuke Komiyama to seal top spot in Group B and a quarter-final showdown with Kyrgyzstan.

“We played well at the start but we went two down in the first half so I told the players at half-time to calm down and not give up and that’s why we won,” he said.

“The beginning of the game was good because we had pace and much more movement so we needed to do that in the second-half. The players gave 100% and that’s why we were able to get back into the game.

“I knew it was going to be a difficult game but the players never gave up.”

Australia counterpart Scott Gilligan admitted his side tired towards the end but was still full of praise for their efforts. They now meet hosts Thailand on Thursday.

“We played well today but we showed while we’ve got a lead, we still have problems keeping possession in the second half,” he said.

“I reiterated that at half-time and I think we turned it over too cheaply at times but when you’re chasing the game, you’re always getting more tired.

“Aussies always have a lot of courage and the boys were hurting in that second half.

“I think that’s one of the major problems. In Australia we play running clock and not stop clock and it shows at the back end of each game so we’re still getting used to the conditioning.

“But I can’t fault the guys, first-half I thought we were tremendous. Obviously they had some chances too but we took ours and they didn’t and in the second-half they took theirs and we didn’t. We still made some chances. It was unfortunate but that’s the way it goes.

“Certainly our team has grown in stature and I know that while the next game we’ll be tough, we’ll be ready.”

Source : www.the-AFC.com
Published : 13/5/2008

BANGKOK – Japan were given a real scare as they came from two goals down to beat Australia 4-2 and top Group B at the AFC Futsal Championships.

Scott Gilligan’s side produced a gritty performance at Nimibutr Stadium and held a healthy advantage at the interval only for Japan to produce a second-half fightback and book a quarter-final clash with Kyrgyzstan.

Japan had the first real chance when Daisuke Ono’s defence-splitting pass set Kotaro Inabo clear but keeper Gavin O’Brien did excellently to stand up and block his effort.

O’Brien then spread himself well at the back post to deny Akira Toyoshima before Adrian Vizzari rattled the frame of the Japan goal with a fearsome strike.

However, Australia took the lead when Christopher Zeballos weaved his way the length of the pitch before dispatching a right-foot shot past Hisao Sadanaga and into the top corner.

Scott Gilligan’s side then doubled their advantage when Luke Haydon broke free and, as Sadanaga came charging out of his goal, rolled his foot over the ball to drag it past the prone keeper and slot it into the empty net.

Gavin O’Brien made another full-length save to push away Rikarudo Higa’s shot at the start of the second-half before Danny Ngaluafe produced an outrageous piece of skill to create an opening but saw his shot hit the outside of the post.

Japan then pulled a goal back when Kanayama slid in at the far post to apply the finishing to Kenichiro Kogure’s pass.

And it was soon 2-2 when Ono received the ball with his back to goal and held off his defended to turn and fire in the equaliser.

Japan then took the lead with just under nine minutes to go when Inaba found Yusuke Inada at the far post and he sidefooted home.

Vizzari thought he had netted a late leveller but his effort was scrambled off the line before Yusuke Komiyama scored a fourth from his own half into an empty net after Australia had pulled their keeper.

Source : www.the-AFC.com
Published : 13/5/2008

BANGKOK – Australia coach Scott Gilligan admitted he will make changes for the top-of-the-table clash with Japan at Nimibutr Stadium after his side confirmed their passage to the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
A comprehensive 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei saw Australia pick up their second win in Group B and Japan’s 4-1 triumph over Turkmenistan later in the day confirmed their place in the last eight.It did not come without cost, however, as keeper Peter Spathis was dismissed for a professional foul meaning he will be suspended for an encounter that will determine who will finish top of the standings.

But with Kyrgyzstan or Thailand presenting a similar challenge in the last eight, Gilligan will use the Japan clash to tinker with his line-up ahead of the knockout stages.

“I’ll probably rest some of the players and obviously the other keeper will play,” he said.

“It’s a game where we can experiment a little but it’s also a great hit out for us because Japan are a fantastic side.

“They are very quick and with their speed, I think they have a lot of tactical nous, so we have to be on our game.”

Lachlan Wright was the architect of the Chinese Taipei win and Gilligan admitted the skipper will prove crucial to Australia’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals and beyond.

“It’s funny because Lachlan’s probably not as fit as he should be at this moment so imagine what he could do if he was,” he added.

“When he’s up, he lifts everyone around him. He’s quite good at taking people on with a turn of pace. It makes a big difference.”

Japan coach Sergio Sapo, meanwhile, was giving little away ahead of the clash insisting he had not yet given it any thought.

However, with fatigue and sickness affecting their camp, the Brazilian could be tempted to make changes in a similar vein to their opponents with one eye on peaking during the knockout phase.

In the other game, Turkmenistan take on Chinese Taipei in a dead rubber where both sides will be searching for their first win of the competition.

Turkmenistan start as favourites having troubled both Japan and Australia in patches over their first two games, leading coach Eldar Ramazanov to declare: “I’m sure we’ll win it.”

Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, have leaked 14 goals in two encounters, on top of which they have been plagued by sickness in the camp, leading coach Chen Kuel-jen to not raise expectations too high.

“We still have a chance, but players are getting sick so maybe we’ll have more chance if they recover,” he said.

Source : www.the-AFC.com
Published : 13/5/2008

The Qantas Futsalroos scored a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei overnight in Bangkok to secure progression to the quarter-finals at the Asian Football Confederation Futsal Championship.

A semi-final berth at the Championship will see Australia qualify for the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup to be held in Brazil later this year.Lachlan Wright led the way against Chinese Taipei scoring a hat trick however Australia had to overcome losing goalkeeper Peter Spathis who was sent off in just the 6th minute.

Despite the setback, which saw Australia down to four players for two minutes, the Futsalroos dominated proceedings holding a two goal advantage at the interval, with Adrian Vizzari, Chris Zeballos and an own goal rounding out the goalscoring tally.

Australia now face group favourites Japan in their final group match tonight, with the match set to decide top spot in the group. Japan need only a draw after defeating Turkmenistan 4-1 in the other group match.

Australia will complete their group fixtures tonight against number 2 ranked Asian side Japan. Australia will meet either Thailand or Kyrgyzstan in the quarter finals on Thursday.

Australia’s matches are:
May 11 v Turkmenistan
May 12 v Chinese Taipei
May 13 v Japan

All matches in the tournament will be played at either the Nimibutr or Hua Mark stadiums in Bangkok, with the final to be held on May 18.

Source : Australian Four Four Two
Published : 13/5/2008 15:16

BANGKOK – Coach Scott Gilligan was happy to see Australia reach their first target in the 2008 AFC Futsal Championships with a 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei but still underlined their determination to scale even greater heights.Lachlan Wright netted a hat-trick at Nimibutr Satdium as Australia, who had keeper Peter Spathis sent-off for a professional foul, virtually booked their place in the quarter-finals with a comfortable triumph.

Gilligan’s stated aim before the competition was to win the first two games in a bid to eventually qualify for the semi-finals and gain a place in the FIFA Futsal World Cup taking place in Brazil later in the year.

And after an opening success against Turkmenistan, it seems Australia will now face a showdown with Japan for top spot in Group B providing Sergio Saipo’s team can replicate the green and gold’s success.

“Mission accomplished – so far,” said Gilligan.

“I knew initially they’d be a tough side to break down. We had to make sure we kept going at them.
“We started quite well and then obviously with our keeper getting sent off we had that two-minute spell were some of the better players were on the pitch and they got a little bit more tired and we took a little bit more
time after that to get the first goal.

“I think the important thing for us was to get that first goal and once we got it, we kicked on from there, particularly in the second half, once we got the fourth one they dropped a little.”

After the 8-2 drubbing against Japan, it has been a tough tournament so far for Chinese Taipei and coach Chen Kuei-Jen recognised his side had been outclassed.

“Australia were as strong as Japan and maybe our team did not have enough ability and fitness,” he said.
“Australia are a difficult team for us because we don’t have as many players that are as strong or tall and their speed and their power was a problem for us.

“We are also tired and some of the player are getting hurt as it’s the second game.”

Source : www.the-AFC.com
Published : 12/5/2008

BANGKOK – Lachlan Wright’s hat-trick proved the highlight as Australia took a huge step towards the knockout stages of the AFC Futsal Championships with a 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei at Nimibutr Stadium.

Despite having keeper Peter Spathis sent off, Wright’s treble plus goals from Adrian Vizzari, Christian Zeballos and an own goal gave Scott Gilligan’s side a comfortable Group B win.

Australia looked most likely to open the scoring as first Simon Keith rattled the woodwork from distance and Vizzari got the ball stuck in his feet when he looked odds on to score.

But disaster struck when Chang Fu-hsaing raced clear and rounded Spathis only to be brought down by the Australian keeper, who was shown a red card for his trouble, and bringing replacement stopper Gavin O’Brien into the fray.

Temporarily down to three men, Gilligan’s men weathered the storm before going ahead when Fang Ching-jen stabbed Fernando de Moraes’ cross into his own net.

Australia doubled their advantage before the break when, after good build-up work, an unmarked Wright collected a pass before firing home on the turn.

Wright grabbed his second and Australia’s third soon after the interval when he strode forward and found the back of the net with a low shot and Vizzari pounced from close range to net the fourth via the underside of the bar.

Wright then completed his hat-trick when he cut in from the right before drilling a left-foot shot into the top corner past substitute keeper Pan Wei-chih.

O’Brien made a good late save to deny Lin Po-yuan and Chang hit the post after creating an opening for himself before Christopher Zeballos ran down the left wing and dispatched a left-foot shot into the top corner.

Source : www.the-AFC.com
Published : 12/5/2008

A Lachlan Wright hat-trick has ensured the Qantas Futsalroos a berth in the quarter finals of the AFC Futsal Championships, after a 6-0 win over Chinese Taipei in Bangkok, Thailand.

Backing up after a late finish last night and being the first team on court today, Australia’s task was made even more difficult after the send off of goalkeeper Peter Spathis in just the 6th minute.

But despite the setback, which saw Australia down to four players for two minutes, the Futsalroos dominated proceedings with Wrights hat-trick the highlight.

Adrian Vizzari, Chris Zeballos and an own goal were the other goalscorers in the win.

Australia now face group favourites in their final group match tomorrow, for what is likely to decide top spot of the group.

Australia started strongly with Simon Keith rattling the woodwork from distance but when Chinese Taipei’s Chang Fu-hsaing raced clear and was brought down Spathis, the Aussie keeper was shown a red card. Experienced keeper Gavin O’Brien was thrown into the match, but Australia suddenly found themselves down a man for two minutes.

Having weathered that setback, Australia soon found themselves ahead when Fernando de Moraes’ cross was stabbed into the net by a Chinese Taipei defender.

Wright then grabbed his first goal of the night prior to half time, when he fired home after terrific build up work. He grabbed his second soon after the break and that was followed quickly by a first goal for Vizzari.

Wright then completed his hat-trick, drilling a superb shot into the top corner and the comprehensive win was completed when Zeballos made a solo run down the left and hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

After the game, coach Scott Gilligan was happy that his team had achieved its first aim of reaching the quarter finals, although the semi finals and a place at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup was now definitely in his sights.

“Mission accomplished – so far,” said Gilligan. “I knew initially they’d be a tough side to break down. We had to make sure we kept going at them.

“We started quite well and then obviously with our keeper getting sent off we had that two-minute spell where some of the better players were on the pitch and they got a little bit more tired and we took a little bit more time after that to get the first goal.

“I think the important thing for us was to get that first goal and once we got it, we kicked on from there, particularly in the second half.”

Source : Football Australia
Published : 12/5/2008

The Qantas Futsalroos have kicked off their bid for a place at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup, with a come from behind 3-1 win against Turkmenistan at the 200 AFC Futsal Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.After going early in the match, Australia took control of the Group B encounter at Nimibutr Stadium, Gregory Giovenali, Christopher Zeballos and Adrian Vizzari each scoring a goal.

The result leaves them level with group favourites Japan at the top, who comprehensively beat Chinese Taipei 8-2 in the other match.

Turkmenistan capitalised on a sluggish start by the Aussies with Ahmed Allabrediyev beating keeper Peter Spathis with a powerful shot from a tight angle near the touchline.

That woke up the Australian players and after Lachlan Wright and Fernando de Moraes tested the Turkmenistan keeper Tashliyey, the equaliser eventually came.

Giovenali had forced another good save from Tashliyev, but from the resulting corner, Giovenali made no mistake, drilling the ball low into the goal.

Australia kept the momentum in its favour after the break, when Zeballos was denied but soon after he had the Futsalroos in front when he tapped home a rebound after Tashliyey had denied another strike at goal.

Vizzari then made sure of victory late in the game when he chipped the keeper.

Australia coach Scott Gilligan was relieved after the game, especially with the fact they had finally got off to a winning start.

“This is our third time at the Asian Championships and the first game we’ve always lost,” Gilligan said. “We lost to Turkmenistan last year – so it was very pleasing to see the boys show their character to come back and win the game,” he said.

“They stepped it up. I think we can go a bit further but I was very pleased to get the three points because the first game is always the stressful game.”

Australia will next play Chinese Taipei at 3pm (AEST) today, with a win virtually ensuring a place in the quarter finals.

The semi finalists will all earn a place at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup, being held in Brazil in October.

Source : Football Australia
Published : 12/5/2008

BANGKOK – Australia coach Scott Gilligan was a relieved man to see his side come from a goal down to overcome Turkmenistan 3-1 and start their AFCFutsal Championship assault off on a winning note at Nimibutr Stadium.A goal each from Gregory Giovenali, Christopher Zeballos and Adrian Vizzari ensured the Australians bounced back from falling behind to Ahmed Allabrediyev’s long-range shot from near the touchline and join Japan at the top of Group B.

Gilligan was particularly pleased given his side are traditionally slow starters since entering the competition in 2006 and the triumph also avenged their loss to the same opponents last year.

“This is our third time at the Asian Championships and the first game we’ve always lost – we lost to Turkmenistan last year – so it was very pleasing tosee the boys to show their character to come back and win the game,” he said.

“They stepped it up. I think we can go a bit further but I was very pleased to get that three points because the first game is always the stressful game.”

Turkmenistan coach Eldar Ramazanov was not too downhearted despite seeing his side relinquish their early lead. “Of course I’m disappointed to lose,” he said.”I thank our opponents, they are very good, it was a good game but unfortunately we lost.”

But I believe in my team and I think they played very well. There was some moments that did not work out as well as I wanted them to but still, I’m very pleased with them.”

Source : www.the-AFC.com
Published : 11/5/2008

BANGKOK – Australia came from a goal down to see off Turkmenistan 3-1 in their opening AFC Futsal Group B encounter at Nimibutr Stadium.After a slow start during which they fell behind, Gregory Giovenali, Christopher Zeballos and Adrian Vizzari scored a goal apiece to get Scott Gilligan’s side off on the right foot.

Turkmenistan took an unexpected lead when Ahmed Allabrediyev beat keeper Peter Spathis with a powerful shot from a tight angle near the touchline.

Australia looked for an immediate reply and skipper Lachlan Wright stung keeper Ildar Tashliyev’s hands with a low drive.

Fernando de Moraes then brought another good save from Tashliyev after working himself an opening before Gilligan’s men did eventually find an equaliser

Giovenali forced Tashliyev to tip a swerving effort over the bar and from the resulting corner, the same player collected the ball before striding forward and drilling the ball low into the bottom corner.

Spathis then brought the crowd to its feet with a run down the right that ended with a powerful shot that Tashliyev parried.

And the Turkmenistan keeper was called into action early in the second half with a great save to deny Christopher Zeballos.

But Australia finally went ahead when Tashliyev pushed away a fierce strike and Zeballos gleefully accepted the rebound.

Vizzari then rattled the bar with a free-kick before his free shot at goal was well saved by Tashliyev. But he made amends at the death with a delicate chip over the Turkmenistan keeper to seal the victory.

Source : www.the-AFC.com
Published : 11/5/2008