The Futsalroos have qualified for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup after a 3-1 win over Kyrgyzstan saw them finish fifth at the AFC Futsal Championship overnight.
Having missed out on the semi-finals in Tashkent the Aussies followed up their win over Iraq with an impressive display to claim Asia’s final spot at September’s tournament.
First-half goals from Daine Merrin and Grant Lynch gave Rob Varela’s side a 2-0 lead at the break, with captain Greg Giovenali extending the advantage after the interval.
Kyrgyzstan pulled a goal back four minutes from the end as they mounted a late challenge but the Futsalroos hung on to book their place at a second consecutive World Cup.
Click here for the full AFC match report
Coach Rob Varela hailed the dedication of his side at full time, describing them as the ‘best amateur team in Asia’ and gave an insight into the sacrifices made in qualifying.
“The boys worked very, very hard; we got together for this particular campaign in early December and basically had 12 training sessions which is what most countries do every two weeks,” said Varela.
“Everyone has other commitments with local futsal, football and study or work – none of us are professionals and I think we’ve proved we’re the best amateur team in the tournament.
“I had to quit my job to come here and my private, professional life is based around futsal which is a non-paying hobby – a very satisfying - but non-paying hobby but I wouldn’t swap it for anything.”
As the Aussie camp celebrated on the sideline ahead of an immediate departure home Varela was effusive in his praise for the Futsalroos' dominant performance.
“We did a fair bit of work on Kyrgyzstan both last night and this morning and knew how they were likely to play,” said Varela.
“We defended strongly as we always do and retained the ball well and things went exactly to plan and that’s the main thing.”
Images courtesy of Mark Seeto
