The Futsalroos have defeated Vietnam 6-1 to set up a clash against hosts Thailand in the final of the AFF Futsal Championship 2013.
The Futsalroos have defeated Vietnam 6-1 to set up a clash against hosts Thailand in the final of the AFF Miracle of Life Futsal Championship 2013.
Vietnam were eager at the start of the match but it was Australia who grabbed the lead early in the third minute when Daniel Fogarty slammed in the rebound off a freekick from Tobias Seeto.
Six minutes later and Australia were two goals up with an exquisite chip from Fernando de Moraes as Adam Cooper (16th minute) and Gregory Giovenali (19th) then made it 4-0 at the half.
With one leg in the final, the Australians were more patient after the break as Vietnam grew more desperate.
While Vietnam managed to pull a goal back from a power play when Tran Hoang Vinh scored in the 27th minute, the move also proved risky when Australia capitalised to score two more goals at the end. Fogarty completed his hat-trick with goals in the 35th and 36th minute.
Futsalroos coach Steve Knight was pleased his side had won through to the final considering their limited preparation for the tournament and was glad his tactics paid off.
“Vietnam are definitely more organised as they have a year-long program as compared to us who only train once a week,” said Knight.
“The plan was to shut down several of their offensive play and then pressure them. It worked and we are in the final.”