Australia's futsal stars lived up to their pre-qualifying billing with a comfortable passage to the FIFA Futsal World Championship, which is to be staged from 21 November to 5 December 2004 in Chinese Taipei.

The Aussies claimed Oceania's lone starting place at the finals with five straight wins, 20 goals for and none against in the Canberra qualifying tournament. The statistics flatter to deceive somewhat, as coach Scott Gilligan's men were pushed harder than ever before by their fast-improving regional rivals.

Knowing goal difference could be decisive, Australia rocketed off the blocks to register a simple 9-0 victory over the Solomon Islands, unluckily paired with the runaway favourites in their first-ever international appearance. Australia raced into a 4-0 lead after just 13 minutes and the game was over as a contest. The Aussies' meeting with New Zealand proved a much tougher test as the home heroes struggled before finding their rhythm towards the end and finishing with a flattering 4-0 victory.

"They've improved tremendously since the last time we played them," coach Scott Gilligan observed. New Zealand introduced three new players and put up determined resistance, although they suffered a distinct lack of firepower up front. Damian Pilat was the man who finally set Australia on their way with a fine free-kick to unlock the Kiwis' stubborn defence.

The favourites went on to register a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over Fiji and a clear-cut 5-0 success against Samoa before taking on Vanuatu in the group decider. The match more than lived up to expectations and the first half offered the highest quality entertainment of the tournament. Both teams looked focused with Vanuatu pursuing offensive tactics, replying to Australian pressure with attacking football of their own.

The game was goalless at the break, with the sides concentrating on holding possession for as long as possible, but Simon Keith finally notched the decisive goal in the second period to preserve Australia's 100 percent record and seal the right to represent Oceania at the FIFA Futsal World Championship Chinese Taipei 2004.

Rivals on the up The Canberra crowds were treated to good futsal from all the competing nations. New Zealand's recent progress was evident both in their game against the table toppers and in a well-earned victory over the Solomon Islands featuring five goals from captain Nathan Robertson. New Zealand had opened with a 4-2 success over Vanuatu and continued their good form to claim the runners-up spot, three places better than in 1999 qualifying.

Vanuatu came into the tournament with high expectations and they did not disappoint, especially in the final match against Australia. The islanders, capably led by captain Derek Malas, looked an impressive attacking force at times with the highlight a 7-4 victory over Samoa. Coach Juan Carlos Buzzetti and his men will not be unhappy with a third place overall finish.

Even minnows Samoa showed how much they have learnt recently as they went in at half-time against Australia just a goal behind only to concede four in the second period as fatigue set in.

Debutants the Solomon Islands sent over a team exclusively made up of outdoor players and will be happy with a single victory in their first international tournament. The Solomons beat Samoa 6-3 thanks to three late goals, but they also earned credit in defeat against New Zealand, and futsal observers will be watching with interest at how the islanders develop in the next few years.

A physically imposing Fiji side called on a reservoir of experience to open with a 4-0 victory over Samoa but Vanuatu proved too pacy and skilful and Fiji lost the Pacific island duel 5-1. The Fijians earned plaudits in a narrow 1-0 defeat against Australia but will be annoyed with a 4-2 defeat to New Zealand after conceding two late goals on the break.

The team had a hand in their own downfall after scorer Ronald Ram received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. The Fijians redeemed themselves in their final match with an impressive 4-1 defeat of the Solomon Islands.

The tournament highlighted an overall rise in standards in the region and a narrowing of the gap between big and small. It will be interesting to see how far an increasing South American influence in the region's futsal influences this process by the time of the next qualifying tournament in four years.The coaching staff in New Zealand, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands come from Brazil and Uruguay, a positive bonus for the mid-term development of the game. And Australia are worthy standard bearers for the region at the FIFA Futsal World Championship Chinese Taipei 2004.

Results

Matchday 1: Sunday 25 July 2004 New Zealand - Vanuatu  4-2 Samoa - Fiji    0-4 Australia - Solomon Islands  9-0

Matchday 2: Monday 26 July 2004 Solomon Islands - Samoa  6-3 Fiji - Vanuatu    1-5 New Zealand - Australia  0-4

Matchday 3: Tuesday 27 July 2004 Samoa - Vanuatu   4-7 Solomon Islands - New Zealand 4-8 Australia - Fiji   1-0

Matchday 4: Wednesday 28 July 2004 Fiji - New Zealand   2-4 Vanuatu - Solomon Islands  7-1 Australia - Samoa   5-0

Matchday 5: Thursday 29 July 2004 Fiji - Solomon Islands  4-1 Samoa - New Zealand  2-6 Vanuatu - Australia   0-1

Final standings