The Australian Women's Futsal Team have been defeated 3-1 by hosts China PR in the opening game of the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025™.
The team will likely need to win one or both of their remaining group stage games to qualify for the knock-out rounds, and be in with a shot of finishing in the top three in the tournament to qualify for the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup 2025™.
Head Coach Miles Downie selected a familiar starting five from the Asian Qualifiers that were held back in January. Captain Trudy Camilleri started alongside Daisy Arrowsmith, Marianna Tabain and Jessica Au. Sarah Easthope rounded out the starting five in goals.
The game started at a frantic tempo, as both teams created opportunities with their high press. Both goalkeepers were forced into early saves as the game became increasingly transitional.
Camilleri was central to Australia's efforts in the centre of the court. She was repeatedly able to win the ball from China when the home side was in possession in the first half, creating opportunities for herself and her teammates.
One of these efforts was saved by China's goalkeeper in the 7th minute after Camilleri won the ball in midfield and took a shot from just outside the penalty area.
Despite the chances and high tempo of the early part of the half, the first goal did not arrive until the 14th minute. China's captain Zhan Huimin was placed well at the back post to tap home a pinpoint cross and break the deadlock.
China PR doubled their lead just before half-time. Su Jiahong advanced up the court after winning possession back in Australia's attacking half. Her shot took a cruel deflection off the defending Marianna Tabain and found its way into the back of the net.
Australia knew that they needed to start the second half on the front foot to get themselves back into the game. They attacked with renewed energy, hoping to find a way through an incredibly organised Chinese defence.
Liu Danping in China's goal also proved difficult to beat. She made two sharp saves at the near post in quick succession - firstly off the boot of Claudia Fruscalzo, then Alexia Karrys-Stahl from the resulting corner - in the 25th minute that showed her quality.
Amy Barker's rocket from distance five minutes later was also dealt with superbly by the Chinese custodian between the sticks.
Australia scored the goal they had been seeking in the 34th minute. Daisy Arrowsmith put in a pinpoint cross for Karrys-Stahl right on the penalty spot. Karrys-Stahl arrived at the perfect time to put it away and halve the deficit.
Their joy would, unfortunately, be short-lived. China PR restored their two-goal advantage three minutes later thanks to a rocket of a strike from Zou Yinglan.
Australia thought they had hit right back when a free kick from Karrys-Stahl went into the net off Fruscalzo - but that was ruled out by the referees.
In the end, Australia were not able to secure the points they were after. Attention now turns to the remaining games in the group against Uzbekistan and Chinese Taipei.
Match Summary
China PR: 3 (Zhan Huimin 14', OG 20', Zou Yinglan 37')
Australia: 1 (Karrys-Stahl 34')
Australia: 1. Sarah Easthope (GK), 2. Gisella Pipino, 3. Estelle Fragale, 4. Alexia Karrys-Stahl, 5. Jessica McLean (GK), 6. Amy Barker, 7. Jessica Au, 8. Daisy Arrowsmith, 9. Marianna Tabain, 10. Trudy Camilleri (C), 11. Halle Smit, 12. Zoee Spadano, 13. Meaghan McElligott, 14. Claudia Fruscalzo.
Australia v Uzbekistan
Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025
Kick-off: 5.00pm (Local)/7.00pm (AEST)
Venue: Hohhot Sports Centre, China
