BRISBANE CLAIM VICTORY AS WORLD’S BEST IN THRILLING FUTSAL GRAND FINAL

Brisbane were victors over Japan in a thrilling finish to the Vikings 2nd International Futsal Challenge today. In a nail-biting game Brisbane took the lead with one minute to play in the match, scoring their second goal to Japan’s 1.

Acacia Community Bank Branch Bendigo FC (Brisbane)’s coach and captain Gui Costa was thrilled with the result:

“We took the game to the second half because we knew we were playing against a good team and we could not risk a big margin in the first half. It’s a very satisfying win, we played well and we look forward to defending out title next year.”

The fast-paced match started very evenly with both teams missing chances in the opening minutes. Takuya Matsumoto was first to score at the 13 minute mark closely followed by Giancarlo Romano from Brisbane two minutes later. A second goal by Giancarlo Romano and another by Norifumi Watachi (Japan ) ensured scores were 2-all at half time.

A tough second half ensured with several chances at goal by both teams. In the dying minute of the game Ranagi David Ingram scored again for Brisbane ensuring their victory was sewn up.

Final score: Acacia Community Branch Bendigo FC 3 – Forca FC Japan – 2. 1 disciplinary card – Renagi David Ingram – Brisbane.

In the other games:

The play of for third and fourth saw victory by Cairn’s Redlynch Bulls FC as they defeated Club Social Desportiva Y Caseros from Argentina 6 – 4 in extra time. Goal scorers Redlynch Bulls: Josh DeNittis 2, Victor Madrid 1, Joe Rusch 2, Alex Plowman 1. Goal Scorers Argentina: Luis Navarro 1, Matis Robelis 1, Ariel Fernandez 1, Pablo Diz 1.

Other Games:

10.00am Ryan FC 5 def Northern Nomads FC 3.

Goal scorers Ryan FC: Scott Cameron 3, Kyle Walker 1, Paulo Vedelago 1

Goal scorers Nomads: Matt Passfield 1, Glen Rolley 2

Final standings

First: Acacia Community Bank Branch Bendigo FC – Brisbane
Second: Forca FC – Japan
Third: Redlynch Central Bulls FC – Cairns
Fourth: Club Social Desportivo Y Caseros – Argentina
Fifth: Northern Stingrays FC – Cairns
Sixth: JJ United FC – Perth
Seventh: Ryan FC – Townsville
Eighth: Northern Nomads FC – Cairns

Tournament Awards:

Player of this year’s challenge was Argentinian Ariel Fernandez for his superb play. Renagi David Ingram from Brisbane was awarded the Golden Boot Award for the most goals scored and Igor Sao Jose from Brisbane was named player of the finals. The Goal Keeper of the challenge was Shota Yuasa from Japan.

Final word:

Tony Cifuentes, CEO of Northern Australia Futsal was thrilled with the standard of this year’s competition.

“We have had a very exciting five days with some of the best futsal action I have ever seen. Japan and Argentina have pledged that they will return for next year’s challenge as have Brisbane and Perth. All in all our second year was a great success and is setting the path for a very rewarding futsal future in the North.”

For comments phone Tony Cifuentes: 0439 780 277