The Socceroos’ 2013 East Asian Cup hopes will go on the line tonight when they face the freewheeling DPR Korea in Hong Kong.
The match begins at 11.30pm AEDT, and we’ll have live scores and commentary from kick-off.
After 5-0 and 6-1 wins over Guam and Chinese Taipei respectively it is safe to say the DPR Korea stand as the side most likely to edge out Australia for the fourth 2013 East Asian Cup spot.
Given the Socceroos’ scratchy 1-0 over Hong Kong on Monday night, where they needed an 86th-minute goal from Brett Emerton to seal all three points, it is reasonable to be cautious of the Koreans.
But all is not lost for the Socceroos. It must be noted that the surface of Mong Kok Stadium was hardly fit for a Sunday league game let alone a competitive international fixture.
The Socceroos still managed to pass the ball around reasonably well and as a makeshift side, will have learnt a great deal.
With Richard Garcia playing the majority of Monday night’s match and Brett Emerton working tirelessly for 90 minutes Holger Osieck may elect to make changes.
Even in a 10-minute period in which he was used as a substitute, Tom Rogic still managed to light up the game, and fellow young gun Aaron Mooy could also step into the middle of the park.
Given the relative anonymity of Chinese Taipei and Guam it is difficult to know exactly how well the Koreans are travelling.
That said, the Socceroos will need to lift to find all three points and set one foot in the door of qualification.
JohnL
Guest
Can you make sure you do the same in a couple of weeks when your Glory boys come across to Brisbane? ;)
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
Nope, my fault. I only started watching the livestream at the corner we conceded from. ... actually felt horrifyingly like watching a couple of the goals that Glory have conceded lately...
Pauly
Guest
Take the point, hopefully the Roos can rack up Oceania-style results against Taiwan and Guam. Good experience for the up-and-coming players, let's not get too upset if we don't get through.
Jack
Guest
Why play a comp like this and play veterans ? I am suck of stains up to watch holger play out of form player s out of position ? It makes no sense at all .....
Chad Bennett
Editor
FULL TIME: DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos And so it ends 1-1. Archie Thompson kicked things off with a goal inside the first five but for long spells in this match it was the DPR Korea who looked the more energetic side and they held far more of the ball then the Socceroos. Into the second half it was speculated the tired bodies of the Australians would begin to fatigue and so it was the case, with a goal after 64 minutes just deserts for the Australian back four, which dropped far too deep. With Australia set to end up level on points with tonight's opponent should they beat Guam and Chinese Taipei, qualification will more than likely come down to goal difference. With DPR Korea already on +10, the Socceroos may need to win their last two by a collective margin of 15 goals.
JohnL
Guest
Sorry to say, but the blame lies with Holger for that. Played the same 10 outfield players from 2 days ago. Made 2 out of 3 subs, and then only after the North Koreans equalised, when it could be seen that they were on top by that stage and we need to wrestle control of the game back. He needs to go before the WC 2014 and def before Asian Cup 2015
dasilva
Guest
Holger out -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
Well hell.
Chad Bennett
Editor
90+3' DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos Into the final thirty seconds, DPR Korea continue to knock the ball around. This one looks set for a draw.
Chad Bennett
Editor
90+1' DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos Ouch. That was probably the chance. Rogic releases Franjic who whips a cross to the back post, and McKay crashes his shot over the bar and into the top of the net. Disappointing result, and the image of Osieck on the sideline probably indicates that.
Chad Bennett
Editor
90' DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos DPR Korea have continued to spray semi-dangerous shots from 20m at Mat Ryan even this late on, but the result is much the same. The fourth official has indicated there will only be three minutes.
JohnL
Guest
Your guess is as good as mine. Does anyone understand why Holder makes the selections he does? On another note, I think Matt Smith has been very solid in both games and could be called up to the next training camp with the full squad - see how he goes there.
Chad Bennett
Editor
88' DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos Two minutes of regulation plus what I'd guess will be three of four and we are seemingly edging toward a draw. Australia were in a great position here at 1-0 up and really should have done better to manage that lead.
Chad Bennett
Editor
I'd expect so. Is there any reason why he isn't playing? Taggart has done nothing this season in the A-League to warrant selection.
Chad Bennett
Editor
86' DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos Well well. After making three comical substitutions the DPR Korea have no subs left and one of the Koreans is stretchered off with what seems to be an injury. No matter, he hops off the stretcher and runs back onto the pitch.
JohnL
Guest
Would Babalj have buried that? I would think so.
Chad Bennett
Editor
84' DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos HUGE chance for the Socceroos. Rogic beats his mean out wide on the left, drives a cross at the keeper who spills into the path of Taggart. There is strong contact with the DPR Korea defender and Taggart can't get his shot off and the ball falls to Emerton, who tries to replicate Monday's goal with a curling left effort but it sails over the bar. Australians want a penalty but they are waved away and probably rightly so.
Chad Bennett
Editor
Vitor is a very underrated talent at SBS, in my opinion.
Chad Bennett
Editor
81' DPR Korea 1-1 Socceroos As it stands, Australia would likely finish level on points with DPR Korea with expected wins over Guam and Chinese Taipei. With DPR Korea having a goal difference of +10, and Australia +1, the Socceroos would need to better the DPR Korea goal difference by ten plus whatever they beat Hong Kong by in their final match.
JohnL
Guest
Have to admit... I am enjoying Vitor's and Aytec's commentary