BANGKOK (28 Feb 2012) – Australia will join Thailand and Indonesia in the final round of the AFC Futsal Championship 2012 which will be played in the UAE in May. The Ausssies beat off Vietnamese 4-3 to win the third-place playoff of the ASEAN Zone qualifiers.
In the match that was played at the Krungthep Thonburi Indoor Stadium, Vietnam scored three late goals in the space of three minutes but Australia held on to win the match thanks to their brilliant start in the second half.
Following the scoreless draw in the first half Australia, went in front in the first minute of the second half to break the deadlock through Henry Ngaluafe before adding the second goal two minutes later.
They went 3-0 ahead thanks to Tobais Seeto’s strike in the 30th minute as Gregory Giovenali then put them 4-0 up with just five minutes remaining on the clock. But the game almost went against their way when Giovenali received his second yellow card to get his marching orders from Kyrgyzstani referee Nurdin Bukuev.
The Vietnamese took maximum advantage of playing against one-man less when Nguyen Trong Thien pulled a goal back in the 36th minute as Luu Quynh Toan then fired in a brace with goals in the 37th and 38th minutes.
But with just two minutes remaining on the clock, the late rally came just a tad too late as Australia hung on to win the third and final ticket from the ASEAN zone.
In the meantime, hosts Thailand won the overall qualifying meet from ASEAN when they beat Indonesia 3-1 in the final.
Both teams have already qualified for the AFC Futsal Championship 2012 to be held in the UAE in May.
Penpakul Thankorn gave the hosts the lead just six minutes in for the Thais to be 1-0 in front at the half. But Gustian Sukma Wardhana equalised for Indonesia in the 22nd minute before Thailand hit back through Thananchai Chomboon’s 32nd minute.
With the score at 2-1, an own goal from Denny Handoyo a minute from time gifted the Thais victory in front of their own fans.
