CommBank Pararoos legend Ben Roche scored the match winning goal in his final match of international football to guide Australia to a 2-1 victory over Thailand.
In their last match of the IFCPF Men’s World Cup 2024, one year of preparation boiled down to today’s match, as the Australian’s defeated Thailand for the second time in a week to secure 13th place.
The match was also the stage for Ben Roche to play the ultimate game his career as the prominent figure in CP Football retired following the match.
Having been involved with the CommBank Pararoos since he was 11 and playing a pivotal role in the growth of the CommBank Pararoos program including transitioning into the dual role of Team Manager and player, Roche will officially hang up the boots - after being brought out of retirement for this World Cup - having amassed 71 caps for Australia throughout his illustrious career.
With the desire to send Roche off a winner, the CommBank Pararoos hit the ground running and put pressure on Thailand from the opening whistle.
With the wind at their backs and the goals in their sights, Jeremy Boyce opened the scoring after just seven minutes with Kaylan Van Heer providing an insightful pass which put Boyce one-on-one with the keeper.
The Australians easily cruised past Thailand in the Group Stage with a 5-1 victory but their second meeting of the tournament wasn’t as relaxed.
In what’s been a common theme throughout the World Cup for Australia, long periods of possession and good ball territory didn’t translate into goals despite testing the goalkeeper on numerous occasions.
The remainder of the first half elapsed without any additions to the score with the CommBank Pararoos now having to run into the wind in the second period.
Despite facing an uphill battle as the Spanish wind rushed into their faces, Kai lammert’s side continued to look for ways to invade their half.
Against the run of play and following a quick counterattack, the Thai side cracked open Australia’s defence to level the scores with five minutes of regular time remaining.
With the scores locked and entering the final minutes of his career, Roche took matters into his own hands, nailing the decisive goal to once again gift Australia the lead and as he has done so many times throughout his career, guide Australia to victory.
The result means the CommBank Pararoos finish their IFCPF World Cup 2024 campaign in 13th place.
Match Summary
Australia: 2 (11. Jeremy Boyce 7’, 10. Ben Roche 57’)
Thailand: 1 (6. Chanatip Deeman 55’)
Australia: 3. Kaylan Van Heer (2. Rafferty Bacon 60+1’), 7. David Barber (GK) (C), 10. Ben Roche, 11. Jeremy Boyce, 12. William McGrath (4. Alessandro La Verghetta 53’), 13. Taj Lynch. 14 Augustine Murphy
Substitutes not used: 1. Christian Tsangas (GK), 5. Daniel Campbell, 6. Giacomo Izzo, 8. Christian Bitsikas, 9. Luc Launder
Thailand: 1. Jettarin Wonghangmit (GK), 4. Thanachok Sirivat, 5. Attan Tahe, 6. Chanatip Deeman, 10. Sukhitkun Bunsing, 11. Phonpipat Nampaksa (C), 12. Panukon Thawong (9. Mongkholchai Sittisuwankul 57’), 14. Nattaphon Boonmeema
Substitutes not used: 2. Bannasak Nuepho, 3. Aphiwat Buttaisong, 7. Glaharn Nattapong, 8. Paisan Saechao, 13. Nimitr Kaisakaew
