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Match Report: Australia vs South Africa

The Australian Socceroos recently took on the 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa in London. An enthralling match which ended in a 2-2 draw disappointing but not deverstating for the Socceroos.

South Africa grabbed the opening goal in the 21st minute when Siyabonga Nkosi finshed a goal set up by premier league star Benni McCarthy on the edge of the area.

The slight lead didn’t last long for the South African’s with Mile Sterjovski vollying the ball into the back of the net after a brilliant lob from Vincenzo Grella.

Australia started to dominate the match and grabbed another goal in the 38th minute with Josh Kennedy heading home a free kick from Mark Bresciano.

The Socceroos made some changes at half time taking Lucas Neill, Scott Chipperfield and Scott McDonald off for Mark Milligan, David Carney and Brett Holman.

The second half started with plenty of chances by both teams with South Africa getting the upper hand netting their second and tying up the scores at 2-2 in the 60th minute.

Shortly after the Socceroos made a few changes replacing Vincenzo Grella and Mile Sterjovski with Carl Valeri and Mile Sterjovski.

Another change was made in the 73rd minute with Josh Kennedy making way for Bruce Djite who created a great chance just before time but couldn’t find the net.

Pim Verbeek had these comments to say after the match:

“When we had the ball I thought we played very well,” Verbeek said.

“Defensively we gave some chances away. I was not so pleased with that but that’s normal – we had one day ‘s preparation.

“Overall I was very pleased with the performance. The boys looked fresh and sharp,” concluded Verbeek.

Overall a poor result the Socceroos would have wanted a win on the other hand it was only a friendly and they did want to rest some of their EPL players so I suppose a fair result.

2 goals was a strong performance it showed that the Socceroos can score goals their weakness at the moment with long term servent Mark Viduka retired and fan favorate Harry Kewell not playing.

Matchs up ahead for the Socceroos:
International friendly against the Netherlands in Eindhoven on Saturday 6 September
World Cup Qualification Match against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Wednesday 10 September.

Line Up:
1.Mark SCHWARZER (gk),
2.Lucas NEILL (c)( 4.Mark MILLIGAN 46’),
3.Scott CHIPPERFIELD (11.David CARNEY 46’),
5.Jason CULINA,
7.Scott McDONALD (10.Brett HOLMAN 46’),
8.Luke WILKSHIRE,
9.Joshua KENNEDY (12.Bruce DJITE 73’),
13.Vincenzo GRELLA (14.Carl VALERI 62’),
16.Chris COYNE,
21.Mile STERJOVSKI (20.Richard GARCIA 62’),
23.Mark BRESCIANO.

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