- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The Socceroos have kicked off the final stage of World Cup qualifying in style, grabbing a priceless 1-0 win over fancied Uzbekistan in their Asian Group A opener in Tashkent.
More football
Senior Jets must fly, says van Egmond
Moore almost certain starter despite mystery ailment
Scott Chipperfield’s 26th minute goal proved the difference for Australia, who silenced a 35,000-strong crowd at the Pakhator Stadium by dominating in an impressive first 45 minutes.
They then weathered a 20-minute second half blitz from the Uzbeks, the home side getting closest when Jasur Hasanov’s 52nd minute shot was cleared off the line by defender Luke Wilkshire.
The Socceroos also were lucky not to concede a penalty in that period, with Mark Bresciano appearing to clip striker Maksim Shatskikh in the box.
Kuwaiti referee Saad Al-Faadlhi waved the Uzbeks’ penalty shout away.
Australia defended brilliantly, with centre-halves Chris Coyne and Lucas Neill outstanding and Chipperfield impressive at the back.
Chipperfield also proved the ace in attack, heading home a pinpoint Wilkshire cross midway through the first half to give the Socceroos a lead they never relinquished.
They could have been 2-0 up by halftime, but Bresciano squandered a one-on-one chance in first half stoppage time.
Uzbekistan’s skipper Shatskikh also had two good chances – the closest in injury time when he just failed to connect with a cross directly in front of goal.
The Socceroos also overcame a pre-match setback, with key midfielder Jason Culina ruled out prior to kick-off with a stomach virus believed to have affected several members of the squad.
Australia must finish in the top two of their five-team group to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.
Their next match is against Qatar Brisbane on October 15.
Uzbekistan have now lost their opening two Group A matches, having gone down 3-0 to Qatar last weekend.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.