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Two late goals give Olyroos advantage
Jon McKain and Ahmad Elrich scored two late goals to give Australia a two goal lead in the home and away playoff for a spot in the Olympic games football tornament. In the process they allowed Olyroo fans and staff to breathe a sigh of relief.
In a scrappy opening 25 minutes, which allowed New Zealand's Young Whites a chance to attack, the only notable occurance for Australia was when captain Ljubo Milicevic was substituted off in the 16th minute with a groin strain. But this allowed McKain to enter in what ended up being a telling factor.
Dylan Macallister then started giving the Kiwi defence trouble and in the 28th minute had a penalty appeal turned down when a fair bump put him on the ground. His pleas went unheard. Soon after New Zealand keeper Glen Moss was left stranded when a Carl Valeri cross was met by the head of Alex Brosque who looped it onto the top of the crossbar. it was one of many problems he cause for the New Zealand defence.
Towards the end of the half however Australia was clearly fouled in the penalty area when Brett Holman had his shirt pulled and dragged him down to the ground. The referee again called play-on ignoring the desperate pleas of Holman.
The second half saw Australia dominate once more but could't manage to get on the scoreboard. Leo Bertos took the ankle of Luke Wilkshire after the whistle to receive the first caution of the match. The second going to Holman for a careless tackle. The third of the match went to New Zealand's striker Neil Jones after his constant fouls finally made an impact on the referee. The final straw looked more like a rugby tackle than a soccer tackle.
Australia started to get frustrated and a scuffle mid pitch resulted in the official speaking to both players involved. Australia's frustration getting the better of them.
That frustration was killed off when one of the countless corners of Australia's produced a goal. A poor clearence by a defender saw the ball struck low and poorly by Holman. Luckily for Australia McKain was in the path and turned with the ball to hammer it into the top corner of the net on 77 minutes. This took the preassure off the Olyroos as it was soon followed up by a more free flowing game.
On 84 minutes the lead doubled. Quick play down the right flank saw Australia get a throw in that went to Nick Carle. He in turn passed it off to Elrich who powered a shot past the keeper. Jubilation followed for Australia as they gave themselves a better chance as they head into the return leg.
Towards the end of the match, an odd occurance took place. Returning a ball to the field, a gentleman kicked the ball back only to lose his thong (sandle) in the process. In a true Australian fashion he decided to do without, taking the second thong off and throwing it towards the first.
Australia will head to New Zealand to play the second leg on Friday the 30th. Auckland's North Harbour Stadium will be the venue.
26 January, 2004 |
