Canberra boys starring in Malaysia

Belconnen United goalscorer extraordinaire Danny Macor and ACT Cobras star Trent Flannigan have made significant contributions to the Futsalroos 5-1 win over Indonesia in the KL World 5's.

In other results Argentina beat England 12-1!

Full report from FFA below.


The Qantas Futsalroos kicked off their inaugural KL World 5’s Futsal tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a resounding 5-1 over Indonesia.

After a slow start, which saw them go a goal down after 18 minutes, Australia recovered to lead 2-1 at half time, before adding a further three goals in a dominate second half display.

Italian-based Greg Gionvalli, making his debut for the team, scored a double, with Danny Ngaluafe, Fernando de Moraes and Trent Flanigan each getting a single goal.

Australia had the better of the early exchanges, but struggled in the final third to put and scoreboard pressure on the Indonesians and were made to pay.

Two minutes before half time, Indonesia grabbed the opening goal of the tournament, but this only exploded Australia into action, as the Indonesians relaxed.

Less than a minute later, Australia was on level terms when Daniel Macor’s shot was spilled by the Indonesia keeper and Ngaluafe was on the spot to tuck home. Almost immediately, Australia scored again, with Macor again the provider, setting up Flanigan for an excellent finish.

With momentum on their side, Australia continued their assault and Gionvalli scored his first a minute after the re-start, pouncing on an Indonesian error after excellent pressing on their defence.

Midway through the half, Fernando made it 4-1, breaking through the centre and hitting a rasping shot that was too good for the Indonesia keeper. Gionvalli rounded off the scoring in the final minute, when he easily placed home a cross from Ngaluafe.

After the match, Australian coach Scott Gilligan said, “I was a little concerned after the first 15 minutes when it was scoreless but Indonesia dropped their guard after taking the lead and it was a good thing that we could score twice before half time.”

Australia now has a day’s break, before playing twice on Thursday, firstly against host nation Malaysia and then the final game of the day against England. The final match is against group favourite Argentina on Friday.

Other results in Australia’s group, saw Argentina, the last winner of the KL World 5’s in 2003, smash England 12-1, while Indonesia was again beaten later in the night, by host nation Malaysia 3-2.

The KL World 5’s is the richest Futsal tournament in the world, with the winner to earn USD$50,000.

The tournament is vital preparation for the ASEAN Futsal Championships that will be held in Bangkok in early March.

Match Details

Australia 5 (Danny Ngaluafe 19’, Trent Flanigan 20’, Greg Gionvalli 21’/39’, Fernando de Moraes 29’)
Indonesia 1 (18’)