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Bresciano strike difference against South Africa
Australia has overcome a surprisingly stronger South African side than most anticipated, winning 1-0 at Loftus Road in London, England.
Despite an extremely strong and quick start from the Africans, Australia pulled ahead on 19 minutes when from a Scott Chipperfield throw-in, Mark Viduka knocked in a cheeky flick t just inside the 18 yard area for Marco bresciano to hit a sweet volley into the corner of the net. South African keeper Hans Vonk was at full strech but couldn't get to it.
Just prior to the goal, Stan Lazeridis made a superb run going from the left flank into the centre of the box only to have his shot blocked.
Two minutes after the goal Chipperfield was unleashed and lobbed a shot over the keeper only for it to be cleared for a corner moments before bouncing in for a second. Bradley Carnell the saviour for the Bafana Bafana on this occassion.
On 38 minutes Shaun Bartlett was unleashed on goal and should have scored only for him to spray the shot horribly wide with his left foot from the 18 yard box.
The second half started with an opportunity for Harry Kewell when he chipped over Vonk magnificently. The goal however was disallowed for offside. A decision he had no trouble accepting. Soon after Mark Schwarzer was forced into his first real save when Siyabonga Nomvete struck, forcing him to the ground. Lazaridis managed to clear before any South Africans could latch onto the loose ball.
Kewell and Viduka were substituted on 64 minutes and replaced by David Zdrilic and John Aloisi who changed the attack into a more aggressive area for the Socceroos. Aloisi had numerous chances but failed to get most on target.
Of the debutants, Tim Cahill was introduced to the senior international arena for the first time on the 75th minute mark while Max Vieri will have to wait until Australia takes on Turkey in two international matches in May.
The match evened out towards the end of the match with South Africa disappointing infront of goal. Their shots on target were few and far between and compared to the number of attacks they had this should have been a much higher ratio.
A welcome sight to the match included the fact no bookings were handed out during the match, a sign of great discipline from both sides. There was one contentious iddue regarding a late challenge but smartly it was dealt with without the use of a yellow card.
The win will boost Australia in the FIFA rankings as well as South Africa, 39th, were ranked 46 places ahead of Australia in the last rankings.
31 March, 2004 |
