Courtesy: theworldgame.sbs.com.au

Futsalroos qualify for Futsal World Cup in style

Australia cruised to a 3-1 win over Kyrgyzstan to finish fifth at the AFC Futsal Championship and secure a berth at the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia.

First half goals from Daine Merrin and Grant Lynch sent the Futsalroos in to the break with a handy buffer before captain Gregory Giovenali extended the lead in the 31st minute.

Emil Kanetov responded four minutes from time but Australia were never in any danger of giving up their lead and booked a second straight World Cup appearance to spark joyous scenes of celebration from their players and staff.

Delighted Australia coach Rob Varela described his side - which had just two overseas-based players - as the best ‘amateur team’ in Asia.
"The boys worked very, very hard; we got together for this particular campaign in early December and basically had 12 training sessions, which is what most countries do every two weeks," Varela said.

"Everyone has other commitments with local Futsal, football and study or work – none of us are professionals and I think we’ve proved we’re the best amateur team in the tournament.

"I had to quit my job to come here and my private, professional life is based around Futsal, which is a non-paying hobby – a very satisfying - but non paying hobby but I wouldn’t swap it for anything.

"I just might have to find another short-term job before September’s World Cup comes around!"






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