Pararoos dominated by Brazil

In a game that was always going to be a tough encounter, Brazil showed their superiority as a world leader in Paralympic Football, dominating Australia yesterday afternoon.

In a game that was always going to be a tough encounter, Brazil showed their superiority as a world leader in Paralympic Football, dominating Australia yesterday afternoon.

Australia had no answer for the speed and technical superiority of this class outfit. Brazilian number 10, Wanderson Silva de Oliveira ripped us apart. I-ve never seen a Paralympic Footballer with so much speed” said Brown.

Brazil scored their first in the 12th minute after Oliveira picked up the ball on the right, and made a 25m diagonal run, to slot the ball past Keeper Sam Larkings at the far post.

“Even our fastest player, David Barber had difficulty containing the Brazilian number 10,” said Brown.

A few minutes later after a great ball from Barber, Thomas Goodman was unlucky not to equalize with a header after a well-timed run down the left. Only a brave challenge from the Brazillian Keeper, Ferreira, denied the South Australian.

Australian attempts at goal were few and far between with the Brazilians attacking style of football dominating most of the match. Australia found it difficult to deal with the pace of the game and when they did gain possession found it difficult to hold on to because of the speed of the Brazilian press.

The South Americans increased their lead in the 17th minute after Sam Larkings brought down Bordignon in the box and the Referee awarding a penalty.

Australia scrambled valiantly in their own defensive third denying Brazil a number of times, but the continued pressure started to take its toll tiring the Australian backs.

Brazil scored again in the 18th and 21st minute after some good lead up play down the right side by the South American midfielder Guimardes.

Man of the match Beau Menzies was a standout for Australia containing danger man Mateus Francisco Tostes Calvo for most of the match.

16 year old youngster Jack Williams form NSW was brought in to the match in the 30th minute achieving his first cap at the World Championships.

When asked about the match Head Coach, Paul Brown, said, ”You-ve got to be realistic about these things.”

"Sure it was disappointing to get a thumping, but the programs of the top 5 teams in the world are fully developed and ours is still developing. We are playing against professional footballers.”

“It is good to see other countries playing this standard of football because it shows us the level we have to aim for and my players would have learned a lot from this match.”

Australia have another tough game against 5th ranked Holland on the 22nd of June at Achilles 1894 Stadium, kick-off at 19:30 (23 June, 3.30am AEST)