The Qantas Futsalroos scored a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Chinese Taipei overnight at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok to secure progression to the quarter finals at the Asian Football Confederation Futsal Championship. A semi final berth at the Asian 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.
Futsalroos progress to Quarter Finals
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