Australia to take on Brazil in World 5's tonight.

You don't realise how big the game is until you travel outside of Australia.

Speaking from the team hotel in Kuala Lumpur prior to the semi-final with Brazil on Saturday evening, Danny Macor, the Belconnen United outdoor striker, was in reflective mood.




Danny Macor enjoying International Futsal

Fresh from winning the National Futsal Championships with the ACT Cobras Danny Macor and Trent Flanigan were whisked away to Malaysia to represent Australia in the KL World 5’s.

The KL World 5's is shown across Asia to over 310 million viewers. A total prize purse of $105,000 (US) including $50,000 for the winners is available.

Speaking from the team hotel in Kuala Lumpur prior to the semi-final with Brazil on Saturday evening, Macor, the Belconnen United outdoor striker, was in reflective mood.

“It’s been a great tournament. The team has done so well. We were 3-2 up against Argentina, they are ranked number 4 in the world, with a minute to go. And their keeper scores a bomb, an absolute bomb. If we’d won we would have topped the group and played Thailand. Now we play Brazil,” said Macor.

Macor has returned to the Futsalroos, the National Indoor team after a break of seven years.

“I wanted to see if I could still do it. And being here it’s amazing how big the game is in Asia. Until you travel outside of Australia you just don’t realise how big the game is in Asia. And now they are talking about an Asian Champions League. That would be great.

Australia defeated Indonesia, Malaysia, England and drew with highly-rated Argentina on their way to the Semi’s.

“England has started slowly in all games. We were 6-1 up at half-time but they came back strongly in the second half. We’ve had some great results.

“We’re not even semi-professional really, whereas Thailand and others are all professionals. It makes you wonder how the team would go if we could train and play full-time. There is a lot of talent in this Australian team.

“When I left the game seven years ago we used to beat Thailand, now they are second to Brazil in their group. They have a professional league and are in the top ten in the World.

“Being in Malaysia, representing Australia. It’s an honour. Travelling with the team, you make so many friends it’s a fantastic experience. I almost wish I hadn’t concentrated on the outdoor game for the last few years."

Australia will play in the Asian Cup in April in Thailand, and Macor would love to be in the team.

"It's up to the Coach, Scott (Gilligan) but I'd loved to stay involved. The boys say the Asian Cup is a great tournament so I'd like to go, but it's up to Scott."

Australia play Brazil in the semi-final at 9pm AEST tonight (Saturday).