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Skoko strike sees Australia off.
The Socceroos have left it's shores for Germany on the back of a 1-0 win over European champions Greece last Thursday night.
In front of 95,103 fans, Australia dominated the Greek side on the MCG and rewarded the record setting crowd's presence with a superb move finished off with a wonder strike from Josip Skoko. After dominating the opening exchanges, Marco Bresciano sent across a corner to the far post. It found defender Lucas Neill who headed back towards goal. Mile Sterjovski guided his header smartly back for Skoko who stepped back and volleyed from 18 yards out to find the far corner of the net. Greek keeper Antonios Nikopolidis was left stranded as the shot rocketed home.
Bresciano forced Nikopolidis to prevent the lead doubling on 24 minutes, the ball skimming the right post. Sterjovski also forced a save minutes later. Minutes before the end of the half skipper Mark Viduka also had a penalty claim waved away despite a clear tug of the shirt preventing him from his run. English referee Mike Riley waved away protests though.
A multitude of second half substitutes made by both sides did little for the second half which was a much more dull affair. Jason Cullina and Scott Chipperfield dominated the midfield for Australia but few chances were created from here on in.
The result however is a strong morale boosting one with the massive crowd going home seemingly content with the result.
Guss Hiddink's men now go to Rotterdam as they play Holland on June 4 and Leichtenstein on June 7 in Germany. All this in the lead up to their first World Cup Group F match against Japan on June 12.
Australia 1 (Skoko 16th)
Greece 0
Crowd:95,103 @ the MCG
28 May, 2006 |
