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The Socceroos have celebrated their World Cup homecoming in style by stunning highly-rated Paraguay 1-0. In an attacking performance which augurs well for January’s Asian Cup in Qatar, Australia dominated Saturday night’s friendly international in Sydney against the world’s 17th ranked team.
David Carney’s blistering left foot drive was all that separated the teams, but the 1-0 scoreline was no reflection of Australia’s dominance.
Playing on home soil for the first time since the World Cup, the Socceroos created the lion’s share of chances against an outfit good enough to reach the quarter-finals in South Africa before being knocked out by eventual champions Spain.
Australian coach Holger Osieck, still unbeaten after two wins and a draw in his first three matches, was true to his promise of attacking football.
His willingness to play two strikers – Tim Cahill was thrown forward to partner Josh Kennedy – and to encourage his midfielders to get forward paid handsome dividends.
The Socceroos wreaked havoc on the South Americans, with scoring chances falling not only to the front men but to midfielders Mile Jedinak, Richard Garcia and Jason Culina.
Most of the danger came from set pieces engineered by right back Luke Wilkshire.
Australia’s attacking ambitions were deservedly rewarded in the 57th minute when a cross rolled free off a falling Kennedy’s back, and Carney raced in to slam home from 15 metres.
The Australians could also be pleased with the performance of their makeshift centre-back pairing of Jon McKain and Jade North.
The match became heated at times in the second half, with fiery Scott McDonald involved in one altercation that had a Paraguayan defender grab him around the throat.
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, captaining the home team in the absence of the injured Lucas Neill, had only one save to make from an early effort from Paraguay star Nelson Valdez.
“We worked very hard and created a lot of chances, especially from set pieces,” said Socceroo star Harry Kewell.
“It was all positive, and it was a great finish from Carney.”
Australia’s goal scorer said he managed to get some swerve on his shot which troubled the Paraguay keeper.
“I hope I do a lot more damage in the future,” Carney said.
“I’ve got a lot more to give for the Socceroos.”
Schwarzer said the Socceroos had performed well against a very good side.
“We pushed forward, played attractive football and got a result, too,” he said.
Osieck said: “It was good to see our team create so many chances, now we will work on our finishing.
“We really tried to play attacking football, and to give plenty of passing options for the man on the ball.”
Schwarzer said he had to step in when tempers frayed immediately after the match, as Paraguayan support staff apparently tried to stop some players shaking hands with the Socceroos.
Schwarzer said they had over-reacted, but the altercation lasted just a few moments.
“I think they were just frustrated,” said Carney.
“South Americans don’t like to lose.”
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