Photography: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
The fifth and final round of the group stage of the VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup was filled with excitement, and Australia secured a convincing 10-1 victory over Pakistan, guaranteeing their place in the next round.
Australia, who came off a 4-1 defeat to Mexico, faced a more accessible challenge against Pakistan, who had already lost to Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico. Despite Pakistan's efforts, the lack of rest after three matches in 24 hours took its toll.
The match was intense and fast-paced. Pakistan, needing to score their first goal of the tournament, started well, creating danger on the counterattack. Finally, in the 12:52 minute of the first half, Muhammad Aftab (#4) surprised everyone with a right-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Daniel Ibrahim (#1), scoring Pakistan's first goal of the entire tournament and taking a 1-0 lead.
However, Pakistan’s defensive problems soon became apparent, and ten minutes later, Australia equalized. Alex Morton (#19) drove the ball down the left flank and assisted Patrick Hamilton (#10) for the equalizer. Australia 1-1 Pakistan.
Martin Ryan (#16) then sealed the Australian comeback with a shot after an assist from Skinner Day (#6), putting Australia ahead 2-1 and bringing them closer to qualification.
Despite their effort and bravery throughout the tournament, Pakistan could not contain Australia’s offensive push, who continued dominating the match. Skinner Day (#6) increased the lead to 3-1 after a pass from Patrick Hamilton (#10).
The final goal came from Martin Ryan (#16), who scored the tenth and last goal of the match with a powerful left-footed strike, sealing the 10-1 thrashing in favor of Australia.
Acknowledgment to Pakistan.
Despite their elimination, Pakistan showed courage and gallantry throughout the tournament, earning the respect of the participating teams and fans at the Bicentenario Coliseum. Though they did not qualify, they left a positive image in the tournament.
With this victory, Australia secured their first win of the tournament and ensured their qualification to the next stage, while Pakistan ended their participation with their fourth consecutive defeat in the FIFUSA 2024 World Cup.
Lineups:
Australia (Coach: Vinicius Leite):
Starters:
-#16: Martin Ryan (2 Goals)
-#19: Alex Morton
-#1: Daniel Ibrahim (Captain)
-#6: Skinner Day (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
-#10: Patrick Hamilton (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
Substitutes:
-#17: Michael Bishop (3 Goals)
-#20: Bradley Peryman
-#8: Josh Gardner (2 Goals, 3 Assists)
-#12: Eliot Brown (1 Assist)
-#14: Hunter Hoyko (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
Pakistan (Coach: Muhammad Arshad):
Starters:
-#1: ShaH Khalid (Goalkeeper)
-#4: Muhammad Aftab (1 Goal)
-#9: Mubbayhp Santrani (Captain)
-#7: Aftab Husain
-#10: Tebad Hussayn
FIFUSA Press 2024