Aussies brave Russian attack

Australia has bravely gone down to World No. 2 side Russia in the CPISRA International Championships clash in the Netherlands.

Australia has bravely gone down to World No. 2 side Russia in the CPISRA International Championships clash in the Netherlands.

Having defeated Japan 5-0 earlier in the series to qualify for the 2011 World Championships - where the team can possibly qualify for the London Paralympics the following year - coach Paul Brown opted to focus on honing his defence against a very attacking Russian side.

The Russian team fired up from the very kickoff but a determined Australian side held them at bay.

The Australian back four held firm until midway through the first half, when the Russians crafted an opening and finished superbly.

Russia then caught Australia with a decisive counter attack to double the advantage before adding a third seconds before the break when a diving Sam Larkings couldn't keep out a powerful strike.

Four minutes after the re-start, Australia's forwards forced the Russians into their first mistake of the game as the Europeans conceded an own goal to make the score 3-1.

With newcomer Ned McCabe looking increasingly confident in the backline in just his second international, Australia quelled Russia's attacking threat for much of the half, but the Europeans still pressed home the advantage, firing in two late goals.

"The Australian youngsters were very disciplined in defence against a Russian attack that was faultless," said coach Brown.

Australia now plays Scotland on Saturday morning in the Netherlands to secure either seventh or eighth place in the tournament.