Netherlands (3) v (9) Italy

By Claire Varley

In a game of passion and desperation, Italy beat Netherlands 9-3 at Federation Square pitch.

The second match of the day for both teams, today's results will impact on who continues through to the top grouping in contention for the Homeless World Cup. Both teams suffered a loss earlier in the morning and were hungry for a win.

Italy scored early, with a first goal within seconds of the starting whistle. Spurred on by their passionate captain Maximillano Leotta, Italy took another goal.

The Netherlands Giovanni Kortstam threw himself into a series of shots on goal but was denied by Italy's keeper Bangali Dimande's swift dives onto the ball. Kortstam finally took his first goal, before a heavy clash with an Italian player resulted in Italy's captain Maximillano Leotta weaving a penalty shot past the Netherland's keeper. A final energetic goal by Abdoul Abass Bamba took the Italians to a 5-1 lead at half time.

Netherland's Tony Pires came back in the second half throwing his body into the game, with one attempt on goal looking, for anyone familiar with Australian Rules Football, like a less graceful version of speckie.

Italy took another three goals, with Roberto Passio delivering a particularly well-placed shot. A chance at goal following a penalty failed for the Netherlands, as the intensity of the game grew.

After another Italian goal, Netherland's Martin Kosta finally found the net with two quick goals, set up perfectly by his team. In the final moments, Italy's Claudia Riascos Castillo's golden boots fired a powerful goal into the net, bringing Italy to a 9-3 win.

Photos: Photoworx