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Arango strikes late to tie Socceroos
An injury time goal by Venezuelan danger man Juan Arango destroyed any hopes of Australia pulling off a surprise victory on South American turf.
The Socceroos fielded a depleated strength side after the withdrawal of seven of the original starting eleven, including Australia's big name scorers Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Brett Emerton.
A rather subdued opening 15 minutes came alive on the pitch when Marco Bresciano took a deflected shot at goal. The resulting corner found the head of striker David Zdrilic. The header connected with the base of the upright and Venezuelan keeper Gilberto Angelucci hand as he dived for the save. The rebound found an isolated Paul Agostino right infront of goal, scoring from four yards out. (17th minute)
Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer hardly found himself busy in the opening 45 minutes. Meanwhile Australia dominated posession.
Just after the Socceroos goal, Stan Lazaridis's match was cut short when he was brought down, aggrivating an injury. The forced substitution brought Olyroo Ahmad Elrich on for his senior debut.
The second half saw Venezuela attack and continue attacking at every chance they got. Juan Manuel Rey picked up a 55th minute yellow card, a foul he would later regret. 17 minutes later Rey found himself fouling Mile Sterjovski as he ran onto an open ball. The second yellow card came out and Rey had to go. A subdued home crowd knew the task just got harder.
A corner two minutes later and Zdrilic had a clean header, one which he headed almost directly into the ground in an attempt to keep it under the crossbar. It should have been the winner.
In the closing stages Australia became complacent in defence and a cross into the box saw their undoing. Arango got onto a cross and volleyed home strong, giving Schwarzer no chance. (90 +1 minute)
Two minutes later and the match was over. Australia had to be complacent with a drawn result after holding the lead for just over 73 minutes. For Venezuela it was a lucky save.
The match was seen as a possible rehersal for the CONMEBOL vs. OFC playoff in 2005, with Venezuela currently in the playoff position in the league standings while Australia are favourites to take the OFC World Cup qualifying tornament.
Venezuela - 1 (Arango '90+1)
Australia - 1 (Agostino '17)
Played at the Olympic Stadium, Caracas, Venezuela
19 February, 2004 |
