A scintillating four-goal performance from Augustine Murphy has propelled the CommBank Pararoos to victory over Thailand at the IFCPF Men’s World Cup 2024 in Salou Spain.
Murphy – who scored more goals against Thailand than in his entire 19 game career – was almost untouchable as he led his side to victory off the back of his powerful left foot and precision in the air.
The match also saw Canberran Luc Launder and West Australian Rafferty Bacon start for the CommBank Pararoos for the first time in their careers in what was an important victory for Australia’s World Cup Campaign.
The match started on a knife's edge as both teams fought tooth and nail for the advantage. It wasn’t until the 12th minute that Murphy scored his first of the day with a powerful long-range strike the goalkeeper couldn’t handle.
Frustratingly for Australia, Thailand found the equaliser seconds before the half-time whistle and entered the sheds with the scores locked 1-all.
With everything to play for in the second half, it was clear the Australian’s wouldn’t leave the result up to fate and pressed Thailand’s defence from the kick-off.
The aggressive mindset paid dividends early in the half as Murphy scored his second following a pinpoint free kick from Alessandro La Verghetta to once again give Australia the lead.
The New South Welshman then secured his hattrick in perfect fashion – intercepting a stray Thailand pass and pounding the ball into the bottom corner of the net from distance.
Boasting a 3-1 advantage, Australia looked like a different side playing with freedom now that scoreboard pressure had faded.
In the 41st minute, Murphy added yet another goal to his highlight reel scoring off a free kick from just inside the halfway line in what could only be described as a screamer.
It wasn’t until Australia held a 4-1 benefit until another Australian put their name on the scoring sheet after Luc Launder scored in his World Cup debut.
CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert then looked to the bench in the 51st minute bringing on Ben Roche and Jeremy Boyce.
Two Victorians then entered the fray, with Christian Bitsikas earning his first World Cup appearance and Christian Bitsikas replacing David Barber in goal.
As the final minutes ticked away, Australia departed the field at Futbol Salou with an important 5-1 victory in their second match of the tournament.
The CommBank Pararoos will now face the Netherlands on Friday 15 November at 3.30pm CET (1.30am AEDT) in the final match of the group stage.
Match Summary
Australia: 5 (14. Augustine Murphy 12’, 33’ 34’ 41’, 9. Luc Launder 47’)
Thailand: 1 (6. Chanatip Deeman 30 +1’)
Australia: 2. Rafferty Bacon (3. Kaylan Van Heer 44’), 4. Alessandro La Verghetta (8. Christian Bitsikas 52’), 5. Daniel Campbell (11. Jeremy Boyce 52’), 7. David Barber (GK) (C)( 1. Christian Tsangas (GK) 56’), 9. Luc Launder (10. Ben Roche 52’), 13. Taj Lynch, 14. Augustine Murphy
Substitutes not used: 6. Giacomo Izzo, 12. Will McGrath
Yellow Card: 14. Augustine Murphy 60 +2’
Thailand: 1. Jettarin Wonghangmit (GK), 3. Aphiwat Butthaisong, 5. Attan Tahe (12. Panukon Thawong 56’), 6. Chanatip Deeman, 9. Mongkholchai Sittisuwankul, 10. Sukhitkun Bunsing, 11. Phonpipat Nampaksa (c)
Substitutes not used: 2. Bannasak Nuepho, 4. Thanachok Sirivat, 7. Glaharn Nattapong, 8. Paisan Saechao, 13. Nimitr Kaisakaew, 14. Nattaphon Boonmeema (GK)
