Qantas Futsalroos lose quarter-final

Qantas Futsalroos lose quarter-final of AFC Futsal Championship to Uzbekistan

The Qantas Futsalroos have been defeated 3-5 by host nation Uzbekistan in their quarter finals match of the AFC Futsal Championships in Tashkent last night.

After a very even start, Uzbekistan opened the scoring when Ahmedov Bahodir set-up Yunusov Artur in the 18th minute.

Toby Seeto equalised for the Qantas Futsalroos with a well struck volley in the last seconds of the half to level the score going into the break.

Shervin Adeli put the Qantas Futsalroos ahead four minutes into the second half, but their lead lasted just two minutes as Makhsud Fayzullaev quickly hit back for Uzbekistan.

Irsaliev Dilshod and Yunusov Artur then added goals in quick succession while Greg Giovenali gave the Qantas Futsalroos hope with a goal after a quick one-two with Seeto.

However the two goal lead was maintained when Sviridov Konstantin struck with four minutes remaining to give the hosts the win and a berth in the semi-finals against IR Iran.

At the post match media conference, Qantas Futsalroos Head Coach Steven Knight was philosophical about his team-s performance.

“We played to the limits of our capabilities in Tashkent and reaching the quarter-finals is an excellent result for our team,” said Knight

“The best team had won on the night and wished the Uzbek team all the best for the remainder of the tournament,” concluded Knight.