Today the group stage of the WFCQ AOFC ended and with it we now have two teams who have qualified for WFC 2019 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland from 7th – 15th December 2019. Australia and Japan as winners of their group have secured their place in the final round. Tomorrow Thailand v Malaysia and Singapore v New Zealand will decide the other two teams to qualify.
The day began with old rivals Australia & New Zealand facing off and it wasn’t until the final period that Australia was able to really find a way through the tough Kiwi defence, eventually winning 7-0. Thailand against Philippines also started as a tight match but in the end Thailand found their game and won 11-0.
The last game of the group stage provided the best game of the tournament so far with Japan taking on Malaysia. Japan were the clear favourites based on results so far, and even in the IFF event app 99% had chosen them to win, but the Malaysian team were that 1% who believed differently and played fantastically. They were in front near the end of the match and desperately tried to hold on for the win but a late equaliser for Japan saw the game end 4-4. The Malaysian goalkeeper, Michaela Khoo, was their hero player, making 34 saves.
Today’s first-time scorers were: Isabelle Newland (AUS) and Natthakarn Aunjai (THA)
Match reports for all games, standings and player statistics can be found here
Full match replays can be seen on IFF YouTube Channel 1
