The Futsalroos’ 2019 AFF Futsal Championship campaign kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday evening, with Australia falling 2-0 to Vietnam in their opening match of the tournament.
The first half at a packed Phu Toh Stadium was an even affair, with both sides having chances to open the scoring.
Futsalroos goalkeeper Gavin O’Brien made several solid saves to deny the hosts, while Jarrod Basger rattled the woodwork for Australia.
Watch the match in the video player below.
Midway through the second half the Futsalroos fell behind via a set piece and conceded a penalty later in the half while pushing for a leveller.
The Futsalroos won’t have time to dwell on their matchday one result, with Malaysia next up for Rob Varela’s squad on Tuesday evening. Malaysia commenced their Group B campaign with a 3-2 loss to Indonesia yesterday.
Australia need to finish in the top three teams at the 2019 AFF Futsal Championship in order to secure a place at the 2020 AFC Futsal Championship, which will be held in Turkmenistan in February and March next year.
The 2020 AFC Futsal Championship doubles as the qualifying process for next year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup, which will be hosted by Lithuania.
Images: Mark Seeto
Futsalroos 14-Player Squad | 2019 AFF Futsal Championship | October 21-27 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Name |
Position |
Gavin O’BRIEN |
Goalkeeper |
Adam COOPER |
Flanker |
Jarrod BASGER |
Flanker |
Greg GIOVENALI |
Pivot |
Nathan NISKI |
Pivot |
Wade GIOVENALI |
Flanker |
Tobias SEETO |
Pivot |
Daniel FORNITO |
Flanker |
Grant LYNCH |
Target |
Daniel FOGARTY |
Flanker |
Carlos DE OLIVEIRA |
Flanker |
Andrew HAIM |
Goalkeeper |
Ahmed SWEEDAN |
Flanker |
Ethan DE MELO |
Target |
Futsalroos | Match Schedule | 2019 AFF Futsal Championship (Group B) | October 21-27 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam v Australia (L2-0)
Date: Monday, 21 October 2019
Venue: Phu Tho Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Kick-off: 7pm (local)
Australia v Malaysia
Date: Tuesday, 22 October 2019
Venue: Phu Tho Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Kick-off: 7pm (local)
Indonesia v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Venue: Phu Tho Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Kick-off: 4.30pm (local)