Australia Survive Tricky Thai
Posted by Jasper Reed in Australia, Competitions | 17 July 2007
Australia finally clicked into gear during its final group game, beating a dogged Thailand 4-0 to advance to the Asian Cup quarter finals.
After being trounced 3-1 by Iraq in its last outing at the weekend, Australia needed a win not only to advance but also to restore public confidence, which reached a nadir on Friday night. Coach Graham Arnold was visibly unhappy at his charges, saying many looked like they did not want to be there. Lucas Neill was sent off after showing dissent, and the entire squad was said to be at each other’s throats.
Against the Thai’s Arnold made 4 changes. Neill, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill were among those ‘rotated’ for the second game in 3 days, and it paid dividends as the green and gold looked much sharper in the cooler (but still torrential) Bangkok. Goals from Michael Beauchamp, Mark Viduka (2) and Harry Kewell squeezed the Aussies through in second place in group A behind the talented Iraqis.
The unfancied Thai’s however, with Suree Sukha a tireless runner and the wonderfully named Sutee a threat on the flanks, really made a game of it. Trailing by a single goal at the break they attacked relentlessly in the second half only to be caught on the break 3 times. It is a shame their tournament has ended.
All in all, the Australains are starting to look a lot like England in major tournaments – much fancied, struggling against weaker teams, turned on by their own press but win when its needed. Remains to be seen if they go out at the quarter final stage too…..
Group B runners up Vietnam will now play Iraq, while Australia face a stern test against Japan in the last 8. This was most pundit’s tip for the final, but one will now be eliminated early. On performances so far Australia need to improve dramatically to progress.
In the other half of the draw Iran should win group C, with only Malaysia to play. The co-hosts have conceded 5 in each of their group games so far. China or Uzbekistan will join Iran in the quarters. The Group of Death is group D, where any of the 4 teams could progress. Saudi Arabia should account for Bahrain, whilst Indonesia will have the support of 100,000 countrymen, and that could be the difference against a disappointing Korea.
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