adminSYDNEY. — Australia’s Socceroos failed to raise their World Cup soccer hopes with a struggling 1-1 draw against South Africa in a warm-up match for Brazil in Sydney yesterday.Both goals were scored one minute apart early in the opening half and chances became fewer as the match petered out to a stalemate before 50 000 fans at the Olympic stadium.
Tim Cahill, leading his country for the first time in his 69th international, equalised for the Socceroos in the 14th minute after Ayanda Patosi opened the scoring a minute earlier.
While Australia did not play first-choice squad memberas, Mile Jedinak, Mark Bresciano and Matthew Spiranovic, there wasn’t much to enthuse about the home effort before they leave for Brazil on Wednesday.
The inexperienced Australians, the lowest ranked team in the tournament, face a daunting task in Brazil against Spain, the Netherlands and Chile in Group B, with few giving them much hope of an upset.
It is a Socceroos side in transition following the dropping of former captain and defender Lucas Neill and the recent international retirements of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, forward Harry Kewell and midfielders Brett Emerton and Brett Holman.
“Bafana Bafana”, who shocked the reigning world champions Spain 1-0 in Soweto last November, brought over a much-depleted squad with half the original 18-strong squad pulling out with injuries, forcing coach Gordon Igesund into a late scramble for replacements.
Australia settled well from the kick-off and dominated possession with FC Utrecht winger Tommy Oar prominent, forcing Ronwen Williams into a couple of saves. — AFP.
Online Reporter