The Australian Women's Futsal National Team have made the perfect start to their AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualification, with a 6-1 victory over Turkmenistan in Tashkent.
The first match in a series of four, Miles Downie's team will use this performance to build towards qualification for the continental tournament in China later this year.
Australia was eager to test goalkeeper Eminova early, particularly from range, with Spadano's half-court strike in the second minute requiring a strong palm away from the Turkmenistan shot-stopper.
Just seconds later, teammate Nikkita Fazzari attempted a similar effort from near the touchline, with her strike delivered with enough power to rise over the opposition goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
The Green and Gold doubled their advantage only a minute later, with captain Trudy Camilleri heading home after a teasing delivery into the penalty area by Karrys-Stahl.
Despite the mounting pressure placed on the Turkmenistan side, Suray Mammetsahedova managed to produce a moment of magic, winding through the Australian press and toeing the ball past keeper Easthope to reduce the deficit.
After a frenetic start to the clash, both sides consolidated their positions, yet, the opposition were breached a third time, merely seconds before the break. This goal was orchestrated by a team set-play, a slick passing passage finished off by Claudia Fruscalzo.
The second half saw the Turkmenistan side remain in a low block, restricting Australia's ability to pierce through early. Despite this, a number of attempts were made, with the Turkmenistani keeper producing two quality saves to keep the match at 3-1.
Eventually, the dam wall broke, as Meaghan McElligott fired home Australia's fourth from range, ten minutes into the second half, before Fazzari extended the lead with a similar effort, her second of the match.
The performance was rounded out by captain Camilleri who calmly slotted the ball past the on-rushing keeper, giving the Aussies a sixth. A valuable three points earned and a springboard of confidence heading into a packed week of qualifying fixtures.
Miles Downie's side return to qualifying action when they face Kuwait on Monday night (9:00pm AEDT).
Kuwait v Australia
When: Monday, 13 January 2025, 6.00pm Local (9.00pm AEDT)*
Where: Yunusobod Sports Complex, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Australia v Uzbekistan
When: Friday, 17 January 2025, 6.00pm Local (12.00am AEDT, Saturday, 18 January 2025)
Where: Yunusobod Sports Complex, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Philippines v Australia
When: Sunday, 19 January 2025, 3.00pm Local (9.00pm AEDT)
Where: Yunusobod Sports Complex, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
*Please note the change of kick-off time for Australia's match with Kuwait.
