Australia on the brink after 3-1 loss to Ukraine

The Asian side now need heavy defeats for the third-placed sides in Group E and F to make it through to the Round of 16 while Ukraine concluded their Group D campaign in second spot to set up a meeting with the winner of Group E. The Australians will learn their fate after Groups E and F wrap up on Sunday (local time).

Ukraine, who were in the driving seat with a vastly superior goal difference, looked to dictate the game, but were met with an Australia side with little to lose. A draw would have taken both sides through, with status quo intact, but after an even opening the pendulum swung further in the Europeans’ favour, as Angelo Konstantinou in the Australia goal let Sergiy Zhurba’s shot squirm underneath him.

The Futsalroos remained resilient, though and threatened, utilising the counter-attacking tactics that had seen them pierce the armour of Brazil – though their deep line suited Ukraine’s propensity to shoot from range.

Without Ievgen Ivanyak – suspended after seeing red against Mozambique – deputy Dmytro Lytvynenko was given a few nervy moments, but Dean Lockhart’s goal-saving block was the closest either came to troubling the scoreboard again in the first half.

The pattern of play held in the second half, with Ukraine shading the action but Australia looking lively – particularly through the quick feet of Daniel Fogarty. As pressure grew from Oleksandr Kosenko’s side as they looked to close the game out, Mykola Bilotserkivets had the ball in the back of the net – but only via an arm.

They didn’t have to wait long to have a second register though, as stand-in captain rattled in off the post from distance to leave Australia with a mountain to climb. Chris Zeballos tapped in to provide hope, only for it to be dashed by a Denys Osvannikov goal.

Australia scorer:
Chris Zeballos (37’,33”)

Source: FIFA.com, FIFA/Getty Images