Yesterday the Paramatildas notched their third win in the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Footbal (IFCPF) Asia Oceania Championships, their second over Japan, with help from star forward Nicole Christodoulou.
Just as they have in their previous two matches, the girls in green and gold scored in the opening minute, this time in the first 10 seconds, with a goal from Georgia Beikoff.
But the lead did not last long, with Japan equalising less than two minutes later and by the 13th minute, the Paramatildas found themselves in unfamiliar territory – behind for the first time this tournament.
Christodoulou, who was the substitute, began the second half resurgence for Australia, levelling the score at the 29th minute with a header inside the box after a long throw in from Eloise Northam.
Two more goals, another from Beikoff and the sealer from 15-year-old Annmarie De Uriarte saw the Aussies win 4-2.
The Paramatildas will now take on Nepal later today, before competing in the final against Japan on Friday evening.
In Australia’s first match against Nepal they charged to an emphatic 14-0 victory in what was Nepal’s first ever match in CP Football.
However, due to classification regulations the score line was reduced to 10-0 and didn’t count toward official results because Nepal were unable to meet eligibility requirements.
Christodoulou starred in the match, scoring five of the goals in front of a home crowd.
For years, the Greek Australian wrote letters persisting for a women’s IFCPF team, with the men having a team since 1998.
The high school teacher has played football ever since she can remember, spent 10 weeks in hospital, after experiencing two strokes at the age of 21
She had to learn to walk again after being left paralysed down the left side of her body, and is now helping her team try to win a championship on home soil.
Next year the Paramatildas will represent Australia at the World Cup in Spain.
Meanwhile in the Asia Oceania Championships, the Pararoos (men’s team) will play India in their final group stage game today, looking to qualify for Saturday night’s final.
