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The Socceroos can begin planning for the final stage of 2014 World Cup qualifying but were left with plenty to ponder after an unconvincing 1-0 win over Thailand in Bangkok.
Needing only a point to go through to the final round of Asian qualifying, starting in June, Australia had to soak up some heavy pressure at a near-capacity Supachalasai Stadium on Tuesday before Holman’s 77th minute header put progression beyond doubt.
The result means Australia head into their final Group D qualifier at home against Saudi Arabia on February 29 already assured of topping Group D.
But despite talk of being determined to atone for Friday’s shock 1-0 loss to Oman in Muscat, the Socceroos were far from convincing on a hot and humid Bangkok evening and will need to show significant improvement to book their spot in Brazil.
However Osieck was staying positive after the match, paying tribute to his players after negotiating a tricky double header away from home.
“I think it was a very hard victory against a Thai team that really played very well,” Osieck said.
“They were so well organised and they were well prepared to play our team.
“But it was expected from my side anyway and I taught them, our boys, in our preparation what we were to expect and that we had to persevere and so it turned out to be right.
“We had to persevere, we did it and finally we could win this very difficult game.”
Socceroos captain Lucas Neill was also upbeat.
“I am proud of the boys as well – just the mental strength,” he said.
“(It) ended up being a difficult pitch and a bit wobbly .. they made it extremely hard for us, (but we) worked very hard.”
An enthusiastic and spirited Thailand had looked the better team before Holman struck against the run of play midway through the second half.
The ever-improving AZ Alkmaar attacker combined with recalled Sydney FC midfielder Brett Emerton to strike the decisive blow.
Holman found Emerton on the right flank and the veteran winger produced a trademark pin-point cross to find an unmarked Holman, who made no mistake with the finish.
Emerton was one of two changes to the starting side from the loss in Oman, with Michael Zullo also coming in as injured Harry Kewell and Rhys Williams made way.
Despite fielding a familiar-looking team, Australia looked disjointed and struggled to control possession for much of the first half.
And they were lucky to go into the break level, with the hosts wasting a golden chance.
Impressive midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao, who pulled all the strings for Thailand, produced an exquisite through ball in the 35th minute only for Suree Sukka to blast over the bar from close range.
Australia’s left side, particularly Zullo, was bombarded by the lively Sukha while the Socceroos were restricted to only two shots on goal for the half.
Both fell to the head of in-form striker Josh Kennedy but neither attempt troubled Thailand goalkeeper Kosin Hathairattanakool too much.
The Thais kept the momentum in the second half and tension was building until Holman intervened.
The match became heated at times and threatened to boil over when when the Socceroos refused to kick the ball out with Thai striker Kirati Keawsombut down behind play – prompting a fiery exchange between Osieck and Thailand coach Winfried Schafer.
Luke Wilkshire and Matt McKay both picked up yellow cards that mean they are ineligible for the Saudi Arabia match.
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