Iran too strong for Australia in final
The Australian Cerebral Palsy team has been beaten 5-0 in the final of the FESPIC Games by world-ranked number three Iran in Kuala Lumpur. Despite the loss, the team has still qualified for the 2007 CPISRA World Football Championship.
The Australian Cerebral Palsy team has been beaten 5-0 in the final of the FESPIC Games by world-ranked number three Iran in Kuala Lumpur. Despite the loss, the team has still qualified for the 2007 CPISRA World Football Championship.
Iran flexed its muscle early in the match, with two goals inside the first five minutes, which the gallant but shocked Australian team unable to recover from. Two more goals in the 10th and 15th minutes, basically saw the final decided.
Australia went into the match without regular starter Chris Pyne, who was injured in the semi final and Iran through its star players Abdolreza Karimizadeh and Moslem Akbari dominated from the kick-off.
It took just two minutes for Iran to open its account through Javad Mansourfallah and then a second followed in the fifth minute by Karimizadeh.
The match was then sealed with two goals from Houshang Khosravani, the first coming from the penalty spot.
At this point Iran relaxed and Australia was able to contain Iran, with the fifth goal coming from Karimizadeh two minutes into the second half.
Coach Paul Brown while obviously disappointed with the result, believes the future is bright for this young team.
“I believe we didn-t put enough pressure on Iran in the first half even though we shaped up, especially on No 10 and No 13, who were best on park,” Brown said afterwards.
“The second half No 7 & No 13 were better contained which lead to more attacking options for us.
“Most importantly we can go away from this tournament with our younger players with big game experience under their belt. Overall our young players would have learnt a lot from this game and most importantly that international experience can be built on.
“There were some fine performances from all players but I think Brett Fairhall, Beau Menzies, Chris Pyne and Jamie Laybutt with this experience will now go from strength to strength.
“Australia has a very young team and the best is to come,” he finished optimistically.
Match Details
Iran 5 Australia 0
Australian line-up: Sam Larkings (gk), Ben Roche (Chris Restall 47-), James Laybutt (Marik Gleizer 31-), Brett Fairhall (Jason Driscoll 59-), David Barber (capt), Luis Miguel Marcelino, Beau Menzies Subs Not Used: Chris Pyne, Brett Cross
Final Standings
Gold Medal Iran Silver Medal Australia Bronze Medal China 4th Japan 5th Korea 6th Malaysia