Socceroos' Battling Win

If a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, then the Socceroos kick started the second stage of the Asian World Cup qualifying campaign with a skip hop and jump after their gutsy 1-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tashkent overnight.

Having not lost at home in a World Cup qualifier in over 18 matches, the Uzbeks were expected to be a tricky hurdle for the Socceroos. However, a wonderful first half and a rugged defensive display in the second saw the Socceroos emerge with three vital points over their disappointing rivals.

Australia coach Pim Verbeek made several changes to the side which surprised the Netherlands over the weekend. While eyebrows were raised at the exclusion of Josh Kennedy from the starting eleven, the loss of Jason Culina was forced upon him as the midfielder fell victim to a stomach bug just hours prior to kickoff. However, it was another of his changes which grabbed the limelight, when Scott Chipperfield rose high to nod home a Luke Wiltshire cross which gave the Socceroos the lead midway through the first half.

The goal shocked the home side, who up till then had adopted a defensive approach to the game, despite the boisterous encouragement of the 35,000 strong sold out crowd in the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium.

Mark Bresciano had a glorious chance to seal the points for Australia right on half time, after good lead up play from Harry Kewell saw him go one on one with the Uzbek keeper. Fortunately for the home side his left footed drive was wide of the target.

The Uzbeks showed their potential early in the second half as they came out and attacked the Socceroos with intent. The Socceroos had to endure wave after wave of Uzbek pressure, with Wiltshire having to clear off the line after a long range effort from Jasur Hasanov found its way through the crowded penalty box.

But Verbeek would have been delighted with his team’s defensive commitment. Lead brilliantly by Lucas Neill, the Socceroos weathered the storm and played themselves back into the match.

The heat and the high tempo of the second half took its toll on the players, and the game slowed right down for the final fifteen minutes, allowing Socceroos fans to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Uzbek coach Rauf Inileev will now feel the weight of the nation on his shoulders as he tries to re-energise his team for the next round of qualifiers. Having already suffered a shock 3-0 loss to Qatar prior to this game, his team now travels to Japan without a single point. Another negative result there would surely mean the end of the road for the Uzbeks.

Conversely, Verbeek should feel proud of his team’s efforts, as they negated the so-called dark horse of the group with success. Another positive for the Socceroos was that they have achieved this result without several key players. With the likes of Vinnie Grella, Tim Cahill and Culina due back for the forthcoming match against Qatar, Australia are in a strong position to take the next step in the road to qualifying for South Africa 2010.