The Pararoos took one step closer to a Paralympic berth today downing Spain, for the first time in 13 years, by a score of 4-2.
The Pararoos took one step closer to a Paralympic berth today downing Spain, for the first time in 13 years, by a score of 4-2.
The Pararoos started nervously with the side boasting three players new to international competition.
Spain took the early lead 10 minutes in after a poor pass back to a pressured David Barber. Spain was unlucky not to have a second two minutes later, but for a brilliant save from Keeper Jamie Paulson.
After some good work up the left side through Thomas Goodman, Ben Roche, from Victoria, got clear of his marker and managed to slot one in the bottom right hand corner to make it 2-1 Spain.
The Pararoos seemed to settle after the goal and played some good, patient football. The patient build-up worked well and a very good ball from Scott Kennedy allowed Ben Roche to score his second of the afternoon.
In the 20th minute a great run from Beau Menzies had him alone with only the keeper to beat, but a fine save denied him, but allowed Johnny on the spot, Ben Roche to chip for his third goal to make it 3-1 Australia going into the halftime break.
Spain were over confident in the first half, but came out in the second half with renewed vigor and a different attacking strategy. Munoz continued to frustrate Ben Atkins in that right back roll until Brown substituted Atkins for Menzies.
Munoz and Perez were the danger men for Spainand after some good combination play from Grande managed to set up Munoz to reduce the deficit to one goal.
Spain played some good football and Australia seemed to panic early in the second half and lost their composure. Australia were trying to hold on to their lead, but Spain were gaining the ascendency with quick one-twos in the Australian defensive third.
Paulson was substituted with goalkeeper Sam Larkings who came on and made an immediate impact after a great save, denying Munoz in the 48th minute.
Spain were looking very dangerous as they started to move players forward. Grande held up the ball well and distributed some good penetrating passes to Munoz and Perez in the dying minutes of the match.