Aussies Czech-mated At World Futsal Championships

The Qantas Futsalroos have been knocked out of the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship following a 5-0 defeat against the Czech Republic in Taipei City, Taiwan.

The Qantas Futsalroos have been knocked out of the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship following a 5-0 defeat against the Czech Republic in Taipei City, Taiwan.

Despite the scoreline, the match, which was a hard-fought affair, was in the balance until late in the game when the Czechs scored four goals in the final six minutes.  Although still having their final group match to play, the Qantas Futsalroos can no longer progress to the quarter final stage having suffered a 10-0 defeat against Brazil on Monday.

Australia will be looking to win their first match at a FIFA Futsal World Championship since 1992 when they take on Thailand on Friday having defeated the Asian qualifiers 3-1 in their last meeting a fortnight ago. 

Two teams from each of the four groups will progress to the quarter finals at the 16-team tournament with the final to be played on December 5. 

Australia starting five: Gavin O-Brien (gk), Brett Hewit, Simon Keith, Lachlan Wright (pictured above), Luke Haydon Substitutes: Elliot Zwangobani, Scott Manson, Damian Pilat, Andrew Nolan, Danny Ngaluafe, Peter Spathis (gk), Adrian Vizzari Unavailable: Paul Lombardo, Ben Singleton Cautions: Manson 11', Vizzari 31'

Australia's Group B fixtures are:

2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship

November 22 v Brazil, Taipei City, 6pm (9pm AET) November 24 v Czech Republic, Taipei City, 6pm (9pm AET) November 26 v Thailand, Taipei City, 8pm (11pm AET)

Australia is one of only five nations to appear at all four previous FIFA Futsal World Championships since the first tournament was first held in 1989.  The previous tournaments were held in Holland (1989), Hong Kong (1992), Spain (1996) and Guatemala (2000).  Four years ago Spain secured the world championship after defeating Brazil, winners of the three previous tournaments.

TV COVERAGE IN AUSTRALIA : SBS-TV :

Thursday 25 November @11:00pm Australia v Czech Republic - DELAYED all Centres

Saturday 27 November @12:15am Australia v Thailand - DELAYED all Centres

Saturday 4 December @12:05am SEMI Final #1 & #2 - DELAYED all Centres

Sunday 5 December @10:55pm FINAL - DELAYED all Centres