Australia has suffered a 4-0 defeat to reigning AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ champions Japan in a Thailand 2024 Qualifiers Group H tie in Taipei City on Saturday.
The Japanese, who emerged champions for the fourth time in 2022, face Chinese Taipei next on Wednesday, with Australia to play the hosts on Monday in the three-team group.
Japan were simply unstoppable at the Taipei University Stadium with captain Arthur Oliveira starring with a hat-trick.
Tomoki Yoshikawa opened the scoring for Japan in the ninth minute with Oliveira taking over after that.
He netted his first from the penalty spot in the 13th minute before going on to complete his hat-trick in the 33rd and 35th minutes.
Australia face Chinese Taipei tomorrow night, needing a win to give themselves the best chance of qualification.
