Qantas Futsalroos bow out

The Qantas Futsalroos have bowed out of the AFC Futsal Championships today, after being comprehensively beaten by seven-time champion Iran 8-0 in Amagasaki, Japan.

The Qantas Futsalroos have bowed out of the AFC Futsal Championships today, after being comprehensively beaten by seven-time champion Iran 8-0 in Amagasaki, Japan.

While Australia more than held their own for long periods of the game, with Iran-s goals coming in quick-fire bursts.

Indeed it took the Iranians until 15 minutes to open the scoring, after some inspired defending and goalkeeping by Gavin O-Brien. But once Majid Latifi broke the deadlock, the gates opened in the next few minutes, with another two goals added in quick succession.

Leading 3-0 at the break, Iran appeared set for a comfortable victory, with Australia needing to pull something very extraordinary out of the hat to stay in the match.

To Australia-s credit they tried to attack the Iranians, but another quickfire double sealed the Futsalroos fate and the last five minutes saw the experienced and very professional Iranians pile on another three goals against the tiring Australians.

Australian coach Scott Gilligan said: "In the second half we had to try and get some goals so we went on the offensive. Iran is a professional side while we are still learning."

Match Details

Iran 8 Australia 0

Starting five: Gavin O-Brien (gk), Luke Haydon, Scott Manson, Lachlan Wright, Matthew Whyte Subs from: Adrian Vizzari, Simon Keith, Trent Flanigan, Andrew Nolan, Goran Josifovski, Peter Spathis (gk), Anh Cao

Cautions: Cao (28-), Manson (39-)