Qantas Futsalroos seconds from upset victory

The Qantas Futsalroos have narrowly missed out on top spot in Group A at the KL World 5s Futsal Tournament after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Argentina.

The Qantas Futsalroos have narrowly missed out on top spot in Group A at the KL World 5s Futsal Tournament after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Argentina.

Both finished on 10 points, but Argentina-s better for and against record ensured they finished with top spot and Australia second. By finishing second, Australia now faces Brazil in the semi finals on Saturday night (10pm AEDT).

It was heartbreak for the Australians, who lead throughout, only to concede a last minute goal, from all people, the Argentinean goalkeeper that leveled it up.

Australia got off to a great start taking the after three minutes from a solo run and effort by Lachlan Wright.

Argentinean though are not one of the top ranked teams in the world for nothing and hit back in the 12th minute. However three minutes later Adrian Vizzari made it 2-1 to Australia, converting from the penalty spot and they held onto that lead till the break.

Argentina started strongly in the second half and soon had an equaliser and the match developed into a dogfight after that, but the impressive Fernando de Moraes again put Australia into the lead.

Australia defended stoutly, as Argentina pushed high up the field and looked like they might hold out until the Argentina keeper Daniel Elias hit the equaliser with time almost up.

A disappointed Scott Gilligan was nonetheless proud of his team, knowing they had almost caused the upset of the tournament.

“We played against one of the best teams in the world and held them to a 3-3 draw, so we should be proud of that,” he said after the game.

Australia now face powerhouse Brazil, who strolled through their group without conceding a goal, against quality nations such as Iran, Thailand and Holland.

No matter what the result against Brazil, Australia has made the Futsal world take notice with their displays at this tournament and holds them in good stead for the upcoming AFF Futsal Championships in March, which act qualifiers for the AFC Futsal Championships in May.