Post by radinho on Sept 13, 2007 16:15:47 GMT 10
The Australian Under 23’s remain on track to secure a berth at the 2008 Olympic Games after convincingly defeating Group A rivals Lebanon 3-0 at Bluetongue Stadium on Wednesday night.
Strikes from Nick Ward and Mark Bridge sent Australia to the break with a two goal advantage, before substitute David Williams added a third in second-half time added-on to make sure of a thoroughly deserved victory for Graham Arnold’s charges.
Beginning the match with nine of the eleven players that were so impressive against DPR Korea four days earlier, Australia were simply an echelon above their stubborn, but outclassed opponents.
English based defender Trent McClenahan replaced the suspended Adrian Leijer in central defence, while up front, the robust presence of Adelaide United’s Bruce Djite was preferred in place of Brondby striker Williams.
Although spirited in their play, Lebanon was ultimately no match for an Australian outfit that, at times, showcased football of the highest quality.
"The first 35 minutes was champagne football, we played absolutely fantastic," said coach Arnold after the match.
"I tried to put some pressure on the players to repeat their first half performance in the second half, but that’s the way football is."
"At the end of the day, it’s three points that we needed, before we came into camp last week we said to the boys that we had two home games, from which we need to get six points."
"After those two games we’ve got six points, four goals and no goals conceded, so I can’t complain too much."
Australia was in irresistible from in the first half, spearheaded by an affluent midfield featuring Billy Celeski, Stuart Musialik, Kristian Sarkies and goal scorer Ward.
Ward’s opener was the highlight of the half – the Queens Park Rangers playmaker smashing home a Nikolai Topor-Stanley cross with some style.
Midway through the half, Bridge doubled Australia’s advantage after some neat passing movements on the edge of the penalty area with strike partner Djite.
Djite himself could have, and perhaps should have scored on several occasions throughout the match, such was his presence in Australia’s final third.
At the other end, captain Mark Milligan was once again a standout.
Alongside newcomer McClenahan, Milligan marshalled his backline with the aplomb Australian football fans have come to expect in recent times – rarely allowing Lebanon’s pint sized front line a chance at Danny Vukovic’s goal.
Ruben Zadkovich and Topor-Stanley again provided impetus from their respective fullback positions, while from the bench, David Micevski and Ersun Gulum showed some nice touches that complemented Williams’ noteworthy late contribution.
As with last Saturday, this was a performance of genuine quality from Australia, who after back-to-back wins and four successive clean sheets, are ideally positioned to continue Australia’s proud Olympic Games record in Beijing.
"Iraq are in pole position – our challenge is to win our three home games," said Arnold of Australia’s chances of qualification.
"I’m actually happy that we didn’t have it all our own way in the second half, because now the boys know when we go to Lebanon for the next game, that Lebanon can play football."
The Olyroos journey towards the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing continues on Wednesday, 17 October, when they travel to Beirut to again take on Lebanon.
The last remaining home match for Australia of this final qualification stage is on Saturday, 17 November, when they host Iraq at Bluetongue Stadium.
Australia 3 (Ward 6’, Bridge 24’, Williams 90’+3) defeated Lebanon 0
Australia line-up: Danny Vukovic (gk), Ruben Zadkovich, Trent McClenahan, Mark Milligan, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Stuart Musialik (David Micevski 80’), Kristian Sarkies (Ersan Gulum 85’), Billy Celeski, Nick Ward, Mark Bridge, Bruce Djite (David Williams 74’).
Strikes from Nick Ward and Mark Bridge sent Australia to the break with a two goal advantage, before substitute David Williams added a third in second-half time added-on to make sure of a thoroughly deserved victory for Graham Arnold’s charges.
Beginning the match with nine of the eleven players that were so impressive against DPR Korea four days earlier, Australia were simply an echelon above their stubborn, but outclassed opponents.
English based defender Trent McClenahan replaced the suspended Adrian Leijer in central defence, while up front, the robust presence of Adelaide United’s Bruce Djite was preferred in place of Brondby striker Williams.
Although spirited in their play, Lebanon was ultimately no match for an Australian outfit that, at times, showcased football of the highest quality.
"The first 35 minutes was champagne football, we played absolutely fantastic," said coach Arnold after the match.
"I tried to put some pressure on the players to repeat their first half performance in the second half, but that’s the way football is."
"At the end of the day, it’s three points that we needed, before we came into camp last week we said to the boys that we had two home games, from which we need to get six points."
"After those two games we’ve got six points, four goals and no goals conceded, so I can’t complain too much."
Australia was in irresistible from in the first half, spearheaded by an affluent midfield featuring Billy Celeski, Stuart Musialik, Kristian Sarkies and goal scorer Ward.
Ward’s opener was the highlight of the half – the Queens Park Rangers playmaker smashing home a Nikolai Topor-Stanley cross with some style.
Midway through the half, Bridge doubled Australia’s advantage after some neat passing movements on the edge of the penalty area with strike partner Djite.
Djite himself could have, and perhaps should have scored on several occasions throughout the match, such was his presence in Australia’s final third.
At the other end, captain Mark Milligan was once again a standout.
Alongside newcomer McClenahan, Milligan marshalled his backline with the aplomb Australian football fans have come to expect in recent times – rarely allowing Lebanon’s pint sized front line a chance at Danny Vukovic’s goal.
Ruben Zadkovich and Topor-Stanley again provided impetus from their respective fullback positions, while from the bench, David Micevski and Ersun Gulum showed some nice touches that complemented Williams’ noteworthy late contribution.
As with last Saturday, this was a performance of genuine quality from Australia, who after back-to-back wins and four successive clean sheets, are ideally positioned to continue Australia’s proud Olympic Games record in Beijing.
"Iraq are in pole position – our challenge is to win our three home games," said Arnold of Australia’s chances of qualification.
"I’m actually happy that we didn’t have it all our own way in the second half, because now the boys know when we go to Lebanon for the next game, that Lebanon can play football."
The Olyroos journey towards the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing continues on Wednesday, 17 October, when they travel to Beirut to again take on Lebanon.
The last remaining home match for Australia of this final qualification stage is on Saturday, 17 November, when they host Iraq at Bluetongue Stadium.
Australia 3 (Ward 6’, Bridge 24’, Williams 90’+3) defeated Lebanon 0
Australia line-up: Danny Vukovic (gk), Ruben Zadkovich, Trent McClenahan, Mark Milligan, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Stuart Musialik (David Micevski 80’), Kristian Sarkies (Ersan Gulum 85’), Billy Celeski, Nick Ward, Mark Bridge, Bruce Djite (David Williams 74’).
