FUTSAL – Saudi Arabia bounced back in style to defeat Australia 4-2 in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand Bangkok 2024 Group B tie at the Bangkok Arena yesterday.
Nawaf Aroan struck twice to steer Saudi Arabia past a gritty Australian side to set up a mouthwatering clash against Uzbekistan next with Australia taking on Iraq tomorrow.
Both sides had early opportunities, with Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alaqeeli striding through the Australian defence unopposed only to steer his effort wide off the mark, while Daniel Fornito struck his set-piece into the arms of keeper Humood Aldahhan.
The West Asian side, who fell to a 5-1 defeat against Iraq in their opening game, almost found a way through in the third minute when Aroan broke free of his marker only to see his shot from the top of the box foiled by keeper Domenic Badolato with a low block.
Australia, limited to only counter-attacks, were almost caught off guard by the pacy Saudi Arabians five minutes later when Aroan dispossessed Scott Rogan on the flanks before squaring it to Eihab Mohamed, whose effort was foiled by Badolato again.
Saudi Arabia’s best chance of the half came in the 13th minute when Nasser Al Harthi’s long range effort was parried away by Badolato before Fahad Aljohani fumbled his chance on the rebound from inside a packed box.
Australia had a rare opportunity two minutes from the break after Wade Giovenali gained possession before squaring it off for Shervin Adeli, whose shot flew past the crossbar.
It was end-to-end action at the start of the second half with Australia’s Giovenali testing Aldahhan off a set-piece situation before Badolato made two brilliant saves, first denying Aljohani then stopping Mohamed’s long range effort.
Saudi Arabia were given a great opportunity in the 22nd minute when Badolato conceded a free-kick at the top of the box with Abdulilah Alotaibi exchanging passes with Aroan, who slammed the ball into the back of the net.
Australia responded almost immediately through Ethan De Melo’s volley from distance following Tyler Garner’s deflected corner two minutes later.
The game took a bad turn for Australia when Giovenali received his marching orders in the 24th minute after picking up his second caution, which allowed Saudi Arabia to capitalise with Aroan striking home from distance three minutes later off Fares Almaleh’s rebounded effort.
Australia, however, equalised for the second time just before the half-hour mark with Jamie Dib pouncing on a poor clearance from inside the box to slot home.
Saudi Arabia regained the lead in the 32nd minute when Almaleh struck home a grounded effort off Aroan’s corner before Abdullah Almaghrabi scored their fourth in the closing stages to seal the win.