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Australia close but draw will do
Norway foiled what would have been a perfect result for Australia, drawing 2-2 in a match the Aussies dedicated to Australian football legend Johnny Warren.
Coach Frank Farina was determined to fully test out his 4-3-3 combination against quality opposition as he sent Brett Emerton up forward with Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka as opposed to playing him in the midfield. And it seemed to work a treat. While the majority of the first 30 minutes was scrappy football with neither side taking a real shot on goal, Emerton proved to be consistently in the match. He was well supported by eventual man of the match Tim Cahill.
Australia seemed to be gaining an advantage when Norway struck. Magne Hoset sent a shot towards goal from the left flank which was well parried away by keeper Mark Schwarzer. However it landed at the feet of Steffen Iversen who scored from six yards out with an open net in front of him. The 41st minute goal provided the Scandinavians an advantage heading towards the break.
The goal sparked the Aussies into action and soon enough Australia created chances. Kewell’s header low and to the right of Norweigen keeper Thomas Myhre was well saved. Moments later Marco Bresciano tapped a ball through the defence for Cahill who beat the offside trap and chipped over the keeper to equalise right on the stroke of half time.
In the second half Australia went ahead as Josip Skoko finished strongly a wonderful sweeping play. Attacking the right flank Australia crossed the ball in. It looked as though Lucas Neill had been fouled in the box moments before Skoko came through and hammered home from 12 yards out.
In the 73rd minute though Norway did a bit of equalising of their own as Morten Gamst Pedersen’s free kick from the right flank went through everyone, including Schwarzer and into the far side of the goal. Iversen can take some credit for putting the Aussie keeper in two minds after a good run forward during the free kick.
Australia and Norway both missed vital chances to take home the spoils but the result ended two a piece at Fulham’s home ground.
17 November, 2004 |
