| Christo |
11-16-2005 04:33 PM |
A-u-s-t-r-a-l-i-a-!
The Socceroos have qualified for the World Cup Finals in Germany next year, breaking a 32-year drought, after beating Uruguay in a penalty shootout tonight in Sydney, in front of 83,000 fans.
Going into the game with a 1-0 deficit, they Australians had to score to keep their dream alive. And they did in the 34th minute, thanks to a play involving Kewell, Viduka and Bresciano, who was the eventual scorer of the only goal in regulation time and extra time.
As the score over both legs of this mini-series was level at 1-1 (one home goal each), penalties were needed to decide who would advance onto Germany '06.
Enter Mark Schwarzer. The Middlesborough and Australian keeper, who had been brilliant all night, timing his runs off his own line to perfection, as well as executing a couple of neat saves in the mouth of goal, pulled off 2 saves from 4 goal attempts, leaving John Aloisi to slot home the 4th goal from 5 attempts in the shootout, to secure Australia's place in the finals. The only missed attempt by the Australians was when captain Mark Viduka dragged a ball low and left of the post, though the keeper had the shot covered had it been on target.
A special mention has to be made for Harry Kewell. Having only played 90 minutes or so of EPL for Liverpool this season, it was always going to be a gamble as to how he would last through 2 games in 5 days. He played all of the first leg of the qualifier in Uruguay, though he didn't have much impact on the game. Tonight though, he played possibly his best game for his country, and no doubt silenced many long-time critics who have often questioned his desire to appear for Australia.
All in all though, a great effort. GO BOYS!! :D
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