Qantas Futsalroos go down in opening match

The Qantas Futsalroos has lost its opening match of the 2007 AFC Futsal Championship, 1-0 against Turkmenistan played at the Amagasaki City Commemoration Park Gymnasium.

The Qantas Futsalroos has lost its opening match of the 2007 AFC Futsal Championship, 1-0 against Turkmenistan played at the Amagasaki City Commemoration Park Gymnasium.

In what a close match throughout, Turkmenistan-s winner came in the 10th minute after a quick counter-attack which was finished off by 17-year old Tagayev.

Australia dominated their opponent from start to finish, having a mammoth 57 shots to Turkmenistan-s half a dozen, but hit everything bar the back of the net, in what was a frustrating match.

Once Turkmenistan took the lead, they basically shut up shop, rarely getting forward or looking to make the play, as Australia attacked relentlessly, but with little reward.

They hit the post and crossbar with several shots from long range, while the Turkmenistan was in inspired form, saving many shots, although Australia lacked ruthlessness in front of goal.

Australia even took the gamble of replacing its goalkeeper Gavin O-Brien with an outfield player when in attack late in the match, but to no avail.

A straight red card to Simon Keith in the last minute of the match, ended a miserable night for the Australian team, which now must win today-s match against Korea Republic to have any chance of progressing to the quarter finals, as one of the top two from the group.

Keith will miss the next match through suspension.

Match Details

Australia 0 Turkmenistan 1 (10-)

Australian starting line-up: Gavin O'Brien (GK); Luke Haydon, Scott Manson, Lachlan Wright, Matthew Whyte Subs Used: Adrian Vizzari, Simon Keith, Trent Flanigan, Andrew Nolan, Goran Josifovski, Nino Fragassi

Yellow Cards: Keith (15-) Red Cards: Keith (39-)