No need for panic as Socceroos overcome determined Tajikistan

The Socceroos maintained their perfect World Cup qualifying record with a gritty 3-0 win over a determined Tajikistan.

Australia endured a nervy first hour in Dushanbe before Mark Milligan broke the deadlock with a scrappy goal in the 56th minute.

The Socceroos had looked far from comfortable before then however, lacking delivery and composure despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and dictating territory.

Indeed their first meaningful attempt on goal didn’t arrive until the half-hour mark via Massimo Luongo. Constant pressure and harrying from Tajikistan made life difficult for the Roos, who were allowed nowhere near as much time on the ball than they would have expected against the world’s 158th ranked side.

Their occasional forays into Australia’s half looked dangerous as they moved the ball around with wicked pace and a skill that mocked their official ranking.

With the scorers remaining untroubled as the second half got underway, Australia and captain Tim Cahill were beginning to grow visibly frustrated and must have wondered if a goal would ever come. That was until Milligan broke Tajik hearts.

The former Melbourne Victory captain sent the ball bobbling into the goal after it dropped perfectly at his feet off a corner. Not the prettiest goal but it would do for the Roos who breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

Undeterred, the Tajiks continued to persevere but the additions of Tommy Rogic and Nathan Burns for Australia had an instant effect as they searched for the clincher. It arrived in the 72nd minute with Burns feeding a ball to Ryan McGowan, who made a clever run behind the defence before serving up the ball on a platter to Cahill to stab it home.

The game started to open up with the Tajiks desperately trying to get one back. They created a number of chances but Adam Federici was barely troubled.

The win was sealed in the 90th minute when Cahill, after losing his markers, was again served a perfect ball, this time a lobbed pass from Tommy Oar, before heading it home for his 41st international goal.

A difficult match but the Socceroos’ professional attitude ensured Tajikistan would not come away with an upset. Australia remain in top spot in the group standings with nine points, having briefly surrendered it to Jordon, courtesy of their 4-0 win over Bangladesh.