The crowd knew that this game was going to be a cracker from the whistle, with Harry Kewell scoring a goal, only to realise he was offside in the first few minutes. There were no real chances for the next few minutes until a brilliant shot by Salem Al Dosari from 30 yards out slips just past Schwarzer's reach and goes into the back of the net. From this point on, things were looking bad for Australia with Saudi Arabia pushing on their defense until a turn of play in the 43rd left the score 1-1 and with a Brosque's name on the score sheet after a great through ball by Bresciano. Australia's victory was short lived as four minutes later, a lacking Australian defense let in a goal from Al Shamrani.
Australia looked weak however an a inspiring team talk by Holger Osieck at half time renewed their vigour and they came back to the game with a faster passing and stronger tackles. It wasn't until the 73 minute however, that they were able to come back from behind and make it 2 all after a cross from Brosque and a well placed finish by Kewell. The next goal came almost seconds later when a great header from Brosque hit the back of the net. But it didn't end there, when another minute later, Emerton added a lucky fourth goal putting Australia 4-2 up, and securing the win. |
GoalsSalem Al Dosari Goal 19
Alex Brosque Goal 43 Nasser Al-Shamrani Goal 45 Harry Kewell Goal 73 Alex Brosque Goal 75 Brett Emerton Goal 76 |