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Sukur shoots down Socceroos
Hukan Sukur has scored twice in six minutes to give Turkey a 3-1 victory in the first clash against the Socceroos at Aussie Stadium tonight.
In a match of mixed emotions and ability, Turkey absolutly dominated the first half. Most notable contest being Simon Colosimo defending against Hakan Sas. Sas was given to much room time and time again, showing the young Socceroo's inexperience at an international level as Sas simply moved into clear space.
An early scuffle between Brett Emerton and Emre came from nothing, mostly dramatic effect from the Turk, brought yellow cards for the Blackburn midfielder and the dramatic Turkish midfielder. Recuba also received a caution after running half the field to shove Emerton.
Mark Schwarzer showed some magic in defence for the hostsbut it was a sloppy keeper error that allowed the first goal. A low hard free kick by Umit Ozat from 30 metres out spilled through Schwarzers arms and into the net on 42 minutes.
The second half saw the international debut of Max Vieri, younger brother of Italy's Christian Vieri. And he had an impact, creating more chances than the first half combined. for Australia. However Vieri wasn't the one to open Australia's scoring.
Marco Bresciano was brought down on the very edge of the penalty area, the foul forcing a sumersault on the Aussie in a pro-wrestling style landing. He got up to take the penalty awarded by the whistle and card happy Japanese referee, Toru Kamikawa, and leveled the scored on 49 minutes.
Australia had the momentum but it was killed off when Bresciano turned from hero to villain along side Stephen Laybutt when the pair contested the same ball, allowing Sas to break through and deliver a cross for Sukur (69 minutes).
Six minutes later it was all over. Sukur nodding in after an aerial goal mouth scrabble which injured both Schwarzer and Danny Tiatto as a result. Moments later Zeljko Kalac came on to replace the Aussie keeper and temporary captain.
The result was disappointing to the Australian public but the second half performance was promising. After 31 months away from home, Australia will now go on to lay their second match against Turkey in Australia for the new Freedom and Friendship Cup at Telstra Dome on Monday night.
21 April, 2004 |
