Courtesy: footballaustralia.com.au

Futsalroos claim Commonwealth Cup

The Futsalroos have claimed the inaugural Commonwealth Futsal Cup after eclipsing Malaysia 1-0 in the final match of the four-team series in Wellington on Sunday.

Wade Giovenali scored the decisive goal midway through the second half, the Aussies managing to close out the game to collect their second piece of silverware on their tour of New Zealand.

Both sides went into the match undefeated having recorded wins over hosts the Futsal Whites and Vietnam and a tense opening ensued as the two teams traded possession and attacked in numbers.

Chris Polkinghorne had a couple of early chances as the Futsalroos gradually began to assert their dominance on the match with their high-tempo passing game.

Daniel Fogarty had perhaps the best opportunity of the half when he was picked out at the back post but couldn’t find a way past Malaysia’s skipper who was immense between the posts.

At the other end Australia’s goalkeeper Angelo Konstantinou was kept on his toes leading into the break, as numerous attacking forays resulted in swift counter-attacks from the Majestic Tigers.

A more expansive game developed in the second-half, with Malaysia knowing they had to win the match to lift the Cup given Australia’s superior goal difference.

However it was the Aussies that opened the scoring, Adam Cooper the architect of the goal when he picked out Giovenali at the back post with a crisp diagonal ball, the Dural Warriors star firing a first-time finish into the roof of the net.

Rob Varela’s side, who were playing their fifth game in five days, maintained their ascendency throughout the rest of the match, creating several chances to further their advantage with their swift ball movement.

Malaysia withdrew their goalkeeper in the dying stages as they desperately searched for the two goals they required, however the Futsalroos defence snuffed out any chance of a comeback as they ran out deserved winners of the maiden Cup.










Posted by Mico Martic --> mico.martic@futsalplanet.com