Australia qualify for 2007 World Cup

The Australian Cerebral Palsy team, which doubles as the Paralympic team, has qualified for the 2007 World Cup, courtesy of finishing top of its group at the FESPIC Games, following their 2-0 win over China yesterday.

The Australian Cerebral Palsy team, which doubles as the Paralympic team, has qualified for the 2007 World Cup, courtesy of finishing top of its group at the FESPIC Games, following their 2-0 win over China yesterday.

Australian captain David Barber followed his four-goal effort against Korea on Saturday, with a double against the Chinese team that secured top place and a semi final against either Japan and Malaysia on Wednesday.

The FESPIC Games acts as the first stage of eventual qualifying for the 2008 Paralympic Games in China and also for the 2007 World Cup, which is due to be held in Brazil in November.

Australia coach Paul Brown made several changes to the starting seven from Saturday-s game, but it was Barber that proved his value with another strong performance in front of goal.

He grabbed the first goal after seven minutes and then a second midway through the second half, as Australia progressed comfortably past the Chinese team.

Australia-s main rival at the games is Iran, who have finished top of their group after comfortable wins over Japan and Malaysia.

The semi finals are on Wednesday, with Australia-s match kicking off at 5.30pm, while the final is on Thursday also at 5.30pm.

Match Details

Australia 2 (David Barber 7-/46-) China 0

Australian line-up: 1 Sam Larkings, 4 James Laybutt (3 Jason Driscoll 55-), 5 Chris Restall (2 Ben Roche 31-), 6 Chris Pyne (8 Brett Fairhall 45-), 7 David Barber, 9 Luis Miguel Marcelino, 11 Beau Menzies Subs not used: 10 Brett Cross, 12 Marik Gleizer

Yellow Cards: Nil

Referee: Mr C Marhayhisnu (Malaysia)