Photography: Felipe Echeverría - Santiago Barcacel
In an exciting fourth day of the VIII FIFUSA Indoor Soccer World Championship, Mexico won 4-1 against Australia, in a match marked by physical intensity and constant back-and-forth. With this victory, Mexico leaves Australia on the brink of elimination.
Mexico, which was coming off a resounding 11-0 victory against Pakistan, faced an Australia that had just suffered defeats against Brazil and Ecuador. Both teams showed balanced control of the ball for most of the match, alternating between control of the game and quick counterattacks.
The match was vibrant from the start, with a constant exchange of attacks on both sides of the field. Despite the infringements, only one direct free kick was awarded, allowing the match to flow without major interruptions.
The first goal came for Australia at minute 18:28 of the first half, when Fabio Barbosa (#7), team captain, stole a ball in the middle of the field and sent it to the left corner of the Mexican goal. However, Mexico reacted quickly and, after several attempts, Joseph Díaz (#2) managed to tie the game at minute 2:07 of the first half, with a shot that deflected off several Australian defenders before entering the goal.
In the second half, Mexico came out more determined to take advantage of their opportunities. At minute 17:03, Carlos Resendiz (#3) put Mexico ahead after a cross shot, assisted by captain Pedro Bravo (#14).
Mexico continued with its offensive pressure, and at minute 14:05, a precise cross from Joseph Díaz (#2) was finished off with power by Edgar Landa (#6), widening the difference.
At the end of the match, 52 seconds into the second half, Díaz sealed his double after an assist from Landa, leaving the final score 4-1 in favor of Mexico.
Despite Australia's efforts, with Alex Morton (#19) being one of the most dangerous players, the Mexican defense remained firm until the end.
With this victory, Mexico secured its second consecutive victory in the championship, while Australia added its third defeat, leaving it in a difficult situation to advance to the next phase.
Lineups:
Mexico (DT: Rafael Díaz):
Headlines:
-#14: Pedro Bravo (Captain) (1 Assist)
-#2: Joseph Díaz (2 Goals, 1 Assist)
-#11: Erick Madrigal
-#6: Edgar Landa (1 Goal, 1 Assist) (Warned)
-#1: Jonathan Jiménez (Goalkeeper)
Substitutes:
-#9: Ignacio Rodríguez (Reprimanded
-#8: Jonathan Elias
-#5: Jesus Reyes
-#3: Carlos Resendiz (1 Goal) (Warned)
-#4: Guillermo Martínez
-#7: Jesus Franco
Australia (DT: Vinicius Leite):
Headlines:
-#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: Martin Ryan
-#10: Patrick Hamilton
-#6: Clay Skinner
-#11: Corey Day (Reprimanded)
-#17: Michelsen Bishop
FIFUSA PRESS