Enjoyed the coverage on Sommet Sports, though frustratingly it often wasn't broadcast as listed on the Freeview Electronic Program Guide, particularly on the weekend.
OFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP: FUTSAL WHITES SUFFER SEMI FINAL LOSS
Futsal Whites line up before the OFC Futsal Championship Semi Final (www.photosport.co.nz)
July 26, 2013
AUCKLAND – The Futsal Whites suffered a heartbreaking semi final 2-0 loss to Australia at the OFC Futsal Championship Invitational at The Trusts Arena, Auckland last night.
It was the fourth time the Futsal Whites and Australia had met in the past week with Australia clear favourites having completed a 3-0 sweep at the Trans Tasman Cup in Wellington the previous weekend.
Futsal Whites coach Scott Gilligan changed his tactics from the Trans Tasman cup, defending deeper, waiting for Australia to make a mistake and looking to capitalise on quick turnovers.
The plan was working to perfection, frustrating Australia and limiting them to few half chances and long range efforts.
Heartbreak came just nine seconds before the end of the first half. Good footwork from Daniel Fogarty allowed him space to play the ball in to Chris Zeballos who finished expertly with a back heel.
Both Daniel Burns and Kareem Osman had great chances to level the scores in the second half but with the goal advantage Australia kept the ball and limited the Futsal Whites to sporadic attacks.
The Futsal Whites dreams of the final were ended when Zeballos grabbed his second with just 46 seconds left on the clock....
Friday 26 July
The Trusts Arena
Auckland, New Zealand
7th/8th play-off
New Caledonia: 2 (Yvan POUROUORO, Eric SAIHULIWA)
NZ Invitational: 4 (Mohamed KAMRI 2, own goal, Mitchell WEBBER)
Half-time: 2-2
5th/6th play-off
Solomon Islands: 11 (Jeffery BULE 4, Atana FA’ARODO 2, George STEVENSON 2, Elliot RAGOMO, Coleman MAKAU, Micah LEA’ALAFA)
Vanuatu: 5 (Albert THO, Ben HUNGAI 2, Jacky JOHN, Pakoa RAKOM)
Half-time: 6-1
Semi-final
Malaysia: 3 (Fawzul MOHAMAD 2, Khairul MOHD BAHRIN)
Tahiti: 3 (Mote TINO, Antoine TAVE, Jacob TUTAVAE)
Half-time: 2-2
http://www.nzfootball.co.nz/index.php?id=11&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=2464&tx_ttnews[backPid]=10&cHash=0ecf2c7e0c
FUTSAL WHITES CROWNED KINGS OF OCEANIA (While Aussies beat Malaysia in Final but not eligible for Oceania title)
Futsal Whites celebrate at full time whistle against Tahiti (www.photosport.co.nz)
July 28, 2013
AUCKLAND – The Futsal Whites defeated Tahiti 1-0 in the 3rd place play off at the OFC Futsal Championship Invitational to become kings of Oceania.
With Asian invitational sides Australia and Malaysia competing in the final it was the 3rd place play off game between New Zealand and Tahiti that would decide the Oceania champions......
.....With both teams showing resilience in defence throughout the tournament the game always looked to be a tight affair, with a set piece or mistake proving the difference. And so it proved to be as New Zealand were given a free kick in dangerous area in just the 5th minute. Marvin Eakins pulled the ball back to Daniel Burns, who calmly slotted the ball into the corner through a crowded defence.....
.....In the final Australia marked their return to Oceania with a thrilling 5-1 victory against Malaysia.
Dylan Manickum won the Golden Boot with nine goals, five of which came in his first match against Solomon Islands and the team also secured The Fair Play award.
