Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Viduka,Kewell on target in Singapore

Mark Viduka was at his predatory best with a brace of goals in the Socceroos 3-0 win over Singapore at the Singapore National Stadium. Harry Kewell also got his name on the scoresheet in his international come back match.All the goals came in the second half, with Viduka grabbing his headed goals in the 51st and 88th minutes, while Kewell scored in the 76th minute.

The win was the final hit out for the squad in the lead up to the Asian Cup.It was by no means an easy match for Australia, who had to survive a few anxious moments, against a lively Singapore side that can consider themselves unlucky to not have scored on the night.

The arduous week on the training paddock and sapping conditions seemed to have an impact on Australia in the first half. Although dominating possession and the attempts at goal, it was Singapore that had the better of the chances.Australia could have found themselves down a goal at half time, if Singapore dangerman Indra Sahdan was a few inches lower with a bullet header in the 39th minute that cannoned against the crossbar.

It was the third chance he had in a good spell for the home team towards the end of the half, the first two where he forced saves from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. On the first occasion, the Middlesbrough keeper stood tall when faced one-on-one, to save Indra shot after he tried to capitalize on a defensive mistake.

Brett Holman should have given Australia the lead a minute later, but he shot wide from 7 yards with the goal seemingly at his mercy.Australia though clicked into gear after the break and just six minutes in, Australia broke quickly from their own half, strung numerous passes together and ended with Jason Culina’s cross, being headed home by Viduka from close range.

The game opened up after that, although it was Singapore that had a couple of chances with Amri beating Schwarzer but not the woodwork.From that moment though, Australia dominated with Bresciano and Kewell both denied by the Singapore keeper with good one-on-one opportunities.However Kewell made sure of the win when he ran onto a through ball and scored with an excellent finish from the edge of the area.

Viduka then sealed the win, when he powered home an inch-perfect cross from Kewell.

Match Details
Australia 3 (Mark Viduka 51’/88’, Harry Kewell 76’) Singapore 0