Aussie Paralympic team downed in Brazil
The Australian Paralympic football team has suffered a 3-0 loss against England/Wales denting the team's hopes of qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
The Australian Paralympic football team has suffered a 3-0 loss against England/Wales denting the team's hopes of qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
Australia conceded three goals in the space of ten minutes and the team now require at least a point from their final match against Brazil to progress to the quarter finals and with it a ticket to Beijing.
The Australians had the better of play until conceding in the 50th minute and a penalty save from the English goalkeeper just seven minutes into the contest was evidence it was not be Australia's night. The Australians also outshooting their opponents 10-7.
"Football can be a cruel game sometimes and today's scoreline and result was somewhat unjust," said coach Paul Brown.
"Tacticly Australia played like champions with the England team finding it very difficult to break a withdrawn defensive barrier.
"England continually pushed players forward and Australia counter attacked with vengenance.
"In the first seven minutes Australia had numerous chances including a missed penalty and two one on one's with the England goalkeeper but failed to score.
"The England keeper was man of the match and kept Australia from capitalising on numerous scoring opportunities.
"Australia dominated defensively through Beau Menzies, Jamie Laybutt and Brett Fairhall, and offensively through David Barber and David Cantoni.
"Five minutes to go Australia pushed players forward to try to recover from the deficite and England capitialised on a weak end backline and score twice more."
Brazil defeated South Africa 13-0 in the other group match. Australia will now meet Brazil in the final group match on Saturday (Australian time) and must defeat Brazil by one more goal than that which England defeats South Africa.
Brazil played 2 won 2 lost 0 - points 6 goal difference +15 England played 2 won 1 lost 1 - points 3 goal difference +1 Australia played 2 won 1 lost 1 - points 3 goal difference +1 South Africa played 2 won 0 lost 2 - points 0 goal difference -17
Australia 0
England/Wales 3 (50', 55', 60')
Australian line-up:- David Barber (c), Sam Larkings, Brett Cross (Jamie Paulsen 40'), Brett Fairhall, David Cantoni, Beau Menzies, Jamie Laybutt (Chris Pyne 30')
Caution: Menzies 35'