Football West’s Gold Fields WA State Futsal squad made the perfect start at the 2024 National Futsal Championships with a resounding 6-2 win for the Boys U13s over NSW Metro.
In the opening game for any of the West Aussie teams, goals from Nathan Costarella, Dylan Winardi, Kai Mealor, Tom Ceic, Brandan Parry and an own goal got the tournament up and running for the Black Swans.
That was the first of two matches for coach Eddie Garrido and his players, who gave another good account of themselves against Victoria before going down 3-1, Parry again on target.
But there was further cause for celebration later in the day when the WA Boys U14s won a thrilling clash against NSW Thunder 6-5.
Ahmet Atak scored four goals, including two penalties in a crazy 60-second spell, as Anthony Fico’s team stormed back from 4-2 down to lead 6-4. NSW pulled one back but ultimately lost their composure and were reduced to four players, leaving the Gold Fields side to see out the game. David Klimoski and Bastian Domingue Rubina were WA’s other scorers.
And there was a third win for Western Australia as the Boys U15s showed their mettle to beat Tasmania 5-1. After losing their opener to NSW in the morning despite Deacon Graythwaite-Richmond’s goal, it was an impressive showing for Umberto Di Tullio from his players. Sam Lovell (2), Oliver Stojanovski, Caleb Smith and Marcus Menara were the scorers.
There were two other results of note for WA on the opening day, with draws for the Boys U19s and Girls U13s.
The Boys U19s looked well set in their Youth Men encounter with hosts Queensland after goals from Kyle Davis, Zephyr McPherson and Jake Devey had them 3-0 to the good at half-time. But Queensland, who had been thwarted by keeper Kristian Rasano and seen Roberto Salas pull off a terrific goalline clearance, came back to level at 3-3. Wim Hairihiru then produced a quality finish to put Chris Castro’s side in front once more, before Queensland saved themselves near the end to make it 4-4.
And a word of praise for the Girls U13s after they held Queensland 1-1. The home side had won their opening game against NSW Country but Nhan Do’s WA side proved a tougher nut to crack with Savanna Glavovic getting their goal.
Elsewhere, Adam Radi (2) and Julian Panetta scored for the Boys U12s, although Sean D’Arcy’s team were second best against Queensland, and it was a similar tale for Tiana Botha’s Girls U15s, also against the home team.
As well as the seven Gold Fields WA State teams, there are two club sides from Western Australia competing in the Open Men's competition. Rockingham Cambio Cumbre lost to Football NSW Thunder, before Fremantle and Victoria Moreland drew 3-3.
The action continues on Saturday as day two of the National Futsal Championships kicks off at 7.30am (5.30am WST), with nine matches to be live-streamed including the U14s clash with Capital at 11am WST.
Fixtures, results and ladders are available to view via the Squadi app via the Football Queensland organisation National Futsal Championships competition dropdowns.
Click here to view the live stream schedule for Day 2
Click here to view results, ladders and fixtures ahead of Day 2