Draw enough to send Australia to Olympics

An unconvincing performance from Australia still managed to hold New Zealand to a 1-1 draw, allowing Australia to progress to the Athen's tornament at this years Olympic games.

The first 45 minutes of football saw New Zealand hit their straps and go hard at Australia, getting the majority of attack. Despite numerous chances however they couldn't manage to get past Australia and it was 0-0 at the break.

It didn't take long for New Zealand to continue to preassure and make good on their efforts. Shane Smeltz got on the end of a cross into the box and put the ball under the keeper's arms for it to trickle into the net on 51 minutes. The goal gave the Kiwi's a glimmer of hope, now only trailing 2-1 on aggrigate and no away goals scored by either side.

That was about to change dramatically though as 20 minutes later (71st minute) Ahmad Elrich put a nice long ball through to Ryan Griffiths. The second half substitute controlled the ball and put it past the New Zealand keeper in a goal completly against the run of play. it also meant New Zealand needed to win by three goals to progress.

Despite many attempts the home side couldn't pull it off and Australia celebrated their aggrigate victory.

31st January, 2004

Please send email to davesworldcup@hotmail.com if you have any questions.