Rogic hat-trick helps Qantas Futsalroos to victory in opener

Rogic hat-trick helps Qantas Futsalroos to victory in opening match of AFC Futsal Championships

The Qantas Futsalroos have won their first match of the AFC Futsal Championships 2010 after they defeated Kuwait 4-2, which included a hat-trick from 17-year old Tom Rogic, in Tashkent last night.

In the lead up to the match, the importance of the opening fixture was acknowledged by both coaches. Kuwaiti coach Eisa Saadoun went so far as to declare that the winner of this match would be 90% certain of coming in second behind Iran in Group B.

Qantas Futsalroos head coach, Steven Knight also agreed that this match was vital to progressing pass the group stage. Knight regarded the Kuwaiti team as an unknown quality and decided on a defensive approach going into the game.

The Qantas Futsalroos started the match strongly and were camped in the Kuwaiti half for the first few minutes, both teams appeared to be sounding each other out with the Australians looking the more likely to score. It was not until the 16th minute that the first goal was scored when Ian McAndrew played the ball to the far post for Tom Rogic to score after a second touch.

With momentum behind them, the Qantas Futsalroos pressed forward and were rewarded again when Danny Ngaluafe put the ball in on his second attempt after a pass from Greg Giovenali.

Kuwait hit back in the 18th minute, after a time-out when Peter Spathis parried a shot but the ball rebounded to Al Mekaimi who made the best of the rebound.

In the first minute of the second half, the Qantas Futsalroos caught the Kuwaitis napping when a quick series of passes between Ngaluafe and Toby Seeto resulted in Rogic scoring his second goal.

Knowing the importance of this match, Kuwait pushed forward and Aldousari scored Kuwait-s second after his first shot was stopped by Spathis.

Kuwait brought on their keeper player in the last three minutes but the Qantas Futsalroos sealed the game when Rogic put the ball into an empty net to complete his hat trick.

In the other group B match, IR Iran defeated Tajikistan 19-2.

The Qantas Futsalroos next match of the tournament will be tonight against IR Iran (kick-off 8pm local with their last group match against Tajikistan on 26 May (kick-off 3pm local).