Qantas Futsalroos Suffer Big Loss

The Qantas Futsalroos have suffered a 10-0 defeat at the hands of three-time world champions Brazil in their opening match at the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship played in Taipei City, Taiwan.

The Qantas Futsalroos have suffered a 10-0 defeat at the hands of three-time world champions Brazil in their opening match at the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Championship played in Taipei City, Taiwan.

The Australians held Brazil to a three goal deficit until two minutes before half time however the South Americans domination of possession ensuring a comfortable victory as they racked up six second half goals.

Brazil, favourites for the world championship after finishing runners-up to Spain at the last tournament four years ago, defeated Australia 12-1 just two weeks ago in a match that followed a similar pattern as the Australian defence suffered under a second half onslaught.

Australia will next play on Wednesday against the Czech Republic before taking on Thailand on Friday.  Two teams from each of the four groups will progress to the quarter finals at the 16-team tournament.

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

Australia's Group B fixtures are: 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 :

Sunday 21 November @10:40pm Opening Game - DELAYED all Centres

Monday 22 November @10:50pm Australia v Brazil - DELAYED all Centres

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