Fotografía: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
On an exciting fourth day of the VIII FIFUSA Futsal World Cup, Mexico defeated Australia 4-1 in a match marked by physical intensity and constant back-and-forth action. With this victory, Mexico leaves Australia on the verge of elimination.
Mexico, coming off a dominant 11-0 victory against Pakistan, faced an Australia team that had previously suffered defeats to Brazil and Ecuador. Both teams displayed balanced ball control throughout most of the match, alternating between game control and fast counterattacks.
The match was thrilling from the start, with a constant exchange of attacks on both sides of the field. Despite several fouls, only one direct free kick was awarded, allowing the game to flow without major interruptions.
The first goal came for Australia in the 18:28 mark of the first half when team captain Fabio Barbosa (#7) intercepted a ball in midfield and sent it into the top left corner of the Mexican goal. However, Mexico quickly responded, and after several attempts, Joseph Díaz (#2) equalized the match at the 2:07 mark of the first half with a shot that deflected off multiple Australian defenders before finding the back of the net.
In the second half, Mexico came out more determined to take advantage of their opportunities. At the 17:03 mark, Carlos Resendiz (#3) gave Mexico the lead with a cross-shot assisted by captain Pedro Bravo (#14).
Mexico continued their offensive pressure, and in the 14:05 mark, a precise cross from Joseph Díaz (#2) was powerfully finished by Edgar Landa (#6), extending the lead.
In the final moments of the match, at 52 seconds into the second half, Díaz sealed his brace after an assist from Landa, leaving the final score at 4-1 in favor of Mexico.
Despite Australia's efforts, with Alex Morton (#19) being one of the most dangerous players, the Mexican defense held firm until the end.
With this victory, Mexico secured their second consecutive win in the tournament, while Australia suffered their third defeat, putting them in a difficult position to advance to the next phase.
Lineups:
Mexico (Coach: Rafael Díaz):
Starters:
-#14: Pedro Bravo (Captain) (1 Assist)
-#2: Joseph Díaz (2 Goals, 1 Assist)
-#11: Erick Madrigal
-#6: Edgar Landa (1 Goal, 1 Assist) (Yellow Card)
-#1: Jonathan Jiménez (Goalkeeper)
Substitutes:
-#9: Ignacio Rodríguez (Yellow Card)
-#8: Jonathan Elías
-#5: Jesús Reyes
-#3: Carlos Resendiz (1 Goal) (Yellow Card)
-#4: Guillermo Martínez
-#7: Jesús Franco
Australia (Coach: Vinicius Leite):
Starters:
-#14: Hunter Hotko
-#12: Eliot Brown
-#7: Fabio Barbosa (Captain) (1 Goal)
-#8: Josh Gardner
-#20: Bradley Peryman (Goalkeeper)
Substitutes:
-#19: Alex Morton
-#1: Ibrahim Daniel
-#16: Martín Ryan
-#10: Patrick Hamilton
-#6: Clay Skinner
-#11: Corey Day (Yellow Card)
-#17: Michelsen Bishop
FIFUSA Press