Australia through to Futsal quarter finals

The Qantas Futsalroos have qualified for the quarter finals of the AFC Futsal Championships, after an enthralling 3-3 draw with group favourites Kyrgyzstan in Osaka today.

The Qantas Futsalroos have qualified for the quarter finals of the AFC Futsal Championships, after an enthralling 3-3 draw with group favourites Kyrgyzstan in Osaka today.

The draw, coupled with Korea Republic-s 5-2 win over Turkmenistan, meant Australia finished second in the group on four points, setting up a meeting with seven-time champions Iran in the quarter finals.

Adrian Vizzari, Luke Haydon and Lachlan Wright had Australia up 3-0, before the strong Kyrgyzstan team rallied to draw level, with Australia holding out to secure the point they needed to qualify in second spot ahead of both Korea Republic and Turkmenistan.

The Australians will rue the one that got away however, which would have seen them top the group and avoid the powerful Iranian's, who went through their group fairly comfortably.

Vizzari's long range effort after five minutes, gave Australia the perfect start, which they maintained till half time with some strong defensive work.

Haydon doubled the lead two minutes after the break and then shocked the group favourites four minutes later when Lachlan Wright made it 3-0.

This seemed to spark the Krygyz's into action and they responded with goals soon after and in the 33rd minute.

The effort of the first half took its toll on the Aussies and it was their captain who secured the draw with seconds remaining of the match and ensure them of top spot.

“We had to go into the game thinking of nothing but a win, our goal was to win the game, but it was also important not to lose,” said Australian coach Scott Gilligan.

“Our intention was the stifle their attack as much as possible, while at the same time, we needed to make sure we scored goals.

“We showed the intensity that we-re capable of and thankfully we got away with a draw. I think we also exorcised a few demons today, as the last time we played Kyrgyzstan they beat us 5-1, but this time we did well to get the draw.”