Without suffering a goal in the five matches played in Canberra, the Australian national team confirmed its dominion in the Oceanian Confederation. In the deciding match against Vanuatu, the Scott Gilligan's team found many difficulties but managed to defeat the strong opponent thanks to a Simon Keith goal after six minutes of the second half. Second place went to New Zealand after the last victory over an indomitable Samoa: a positive first experience for the Samoan team coached by David Brand. Good debut also for Solomon Islands, that were defeated by Fiji in the last match. As in every part of the world, also in Oceania futsal is improving!


All you need to know about Canberra 2004 is here!


Matches details

Courtesy: Alistair Miller
Chief Executive Officer
Queensland Futsal Association


Fiji - Solomon Islands 4-1 (3-1)

Solomons, who had so far only beaten Samoa , caused one of the shocks of the tournament by going up 1-0 after 6 minutes against long term futsal exponents Fiji , but within 10 minutes Fiji had pulled three back , going in at half time at that scoreline. The second half was end to end with Fiji scoring the solitary second half goal through Simone Vesa. Solomon Islands throughout the whole tournament have attacked every side, and I'm sure in 4 years time when their defensive game has picked up they will be a different side.

Scorers:

6' Paul Sau (0-1)
11' Simione Vesa (1-1)
13' Michael Lee (2-1)
16' Hussain Sahib (3-1)
32' Simione Vesa (4-1)

Referees: Atufila Talaia (American Samoa) and Teariki Goodwin (Cook Islands)
Third Official: Robert Porritt( Australia)
Time-keeper: Lyle Hudson (Australia)

Yellow Card: Shalandra Lal 27' (Fiji)



New Zealand - Samoa 6-2 (3-1)

After last night's great game against Australia, Samoa did not start as strong and after 17 minutes were already 3-1 down, which is where it stayed till half time. After goalkeeper Setafano Pesa was sent off in the 31st minute, Samoa was in trouble and New Zealand proceeded to put three more goals way before Pualele Lemana got a consolation goal in the 36 minute. Another hattrick to New Zealand, This time for Bakr Al Saudi.

Scorers:

15' Andrew Gwilliam (1-0)
16' Andrew Gwilliam (2-0)
17' Bakr Al Saudi (3-0)
Own goal in favour of Samoa: minute not available
26' James Davidson (4-1)
31' Bakr Al Saudi (5-1)
34' Bakr Al Saudi (6-1)
36' Pualele Lemana (6-2)

Referees: Robert Porritt (Australia) and Lyle Hudson (Australia)
Third Official: Adrian Tamplin (Australia)
Time-Keeper: Alain Alick (Vanuatu)




Australia - Vanuatu 1-0 (0-0)

In what has turned out to be the Grand Final of the tournament, both sides were primed to perform well. The first half was probably some of the best futsal seen at the tournament, with Vanuatu willing to press Australia on the 3/4 line while at the same time showing great patience and at times holding the ball for up to 20 passes. Nil all was a fitting result when the halftime whistle went. the half became totally cat and mouse as both teams attempted to hold possession, while tightly marking their opponents. Simon Keith of Australia eventually broke the deadlock in the 26 minute , and to the end both teams continued their possession game.
This final game sees Australia go through as qualifiers for the World Cup in 2004.

Scorer:

26' Simon Keith (1-0)

Referees: Teariki Goodwin (Cook Islands) and Rakesh Varman (Fiji)
Third official: Ben Lemana (Samoa)
Time-keeper: Atufili Talaia (American Samoa)