Kuwait to continue impressing Asia
the-afc.com previews tonights quarter final between Kuwait and Australia
Dubai: Kuwait futsal is young and they have rarely entertained a proud futsal moment before but whatever happens against Australia on Tuesday, the Kuwaitis are the big winners of 2012 AFC Futsal Championship.
Coming unscathed through Group D having giants in the likes of Uzbekistan and China and formidable opponents Indonesia and dumping Uzbekistan to second position of the group which helped them avoid Iran in quarterfinals, Kuwait is on the brink of making history by booking a place in the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand.
The November showpiece is important but veteran coach Fonseca Cilleros is not looking beyond tomorrow’s match against Australia.
“To be very honest, all my focus and my team’s concern is the Australia match at the moment, we are not dreaming about beyond that but of course there is a bigger prize up for grab,” Cilleros said.
The Spanish tactician has made Kuwait from a mediocre side to the attractive young side with full of energy and runs which have been reaping fruits for them as they wrecked up 15 goals in three matches despite being hold by Uzbekistan 1-1 in the first match of the campaign.
“Australia is a good physical side, they play solid as a team and it will be a balanced match tomorrow and anybody can emerge winners,” said Cilleros, who coaching CV includes experiences of coaching seven Spanish La Liga futsal side in previous 15 years.
Australia coach Steven Knight, who was in a jolly good mood during Iran’s 9- 0 win on Sunday, also echoes Cilleros on the prospect of both the sides.
“It will be a 50-50 match and both the sides will have their chances tomorrow,” he said.
“It’s pretty simple, approached the match positively and play with you strength, there are chances. Our aim before the tournament was at least to ensure Australia in the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 and with just one match to get that aim, it’s pretty obvious that we are taking this match very seriously so as Kuwait.”
Australia defeated Qatar and Korea Republic to emerge as group runners-up of Group C to face Kuwait in the quarterfinals.
