The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

[ConnorPithie]

Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

Ouch, Must have been a brill game though.

[Wavebird99]

Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

Ouch, Must have been a brill game though.

It was, but I cant lose to Iraq

[Wavebird99]

Re: The Socceroos - An Australian WC Run

Socceroos Rebound
Australians beat Japan 2-0
Sydney, Australia - September 15th, 2008

Thanks in part to some great defense and timely goals, Australia walked off the pitch with a 2-0 victory over Japan.

Australia overall played probably their best game throughout the entire qualification process, limiting Japan's shots on goals with some terrific defense and midfield play, especially coming from captain Lucas Neill, whose captaincy has been called into questions as of late.

"I just did my job," explains Neill, "I need to get the ball. Its simple. I did just that today."

Neill's leadership at the back seemed to rub off on the forwards for Australia, who all played extremely well.

Mark Bresciano got things going early on - in the 9th minute he would pound back a rebound off of Japan's goalie Yoshi Kawaguchi directly into the goal for a 1-0 advantage.

"I think it was very important to get an early lead," explained the goal-scorer, "it sort of threw their game plan off a bit."

Indeed, Japan struggled to get anything going for much of the game. Despite leading Australia with a 54-46 possession percentage, Japan failed to utilize this possession for goal scoring opportunities.

Australia would hold onto their 1-0 lead until the 77th minute, when Harry Kewel would find the back of the goal thanks in part to the poor play of Japan's defense, who couldnt control a shot off the posts and allowed it to slip to Kewel's waiting boot.

The win helps Australia overcome their shocking opening game loss to Iraq, as Australia now finds itself back in the middle of the group.

"We're on our way," says manager Pim Verbeek, "its only a matter of time."

Next up, Australia will take on Iran.