Australia NewsMust-Win Iraq Match For Olyroos |
THE Olyroos have been left needing to beat Iraq in their next game after a dismal 0-0 draw with Lebanon in Beirut overnight.
The Under 23s took to the field with a strong attacking side even without Stuart Musialik who was reportedly injured before kick-off and replaced by Adam D'Apuzzo.Despite dominating for much of the 90 minutes, the Australians were unable to breach the Lebanese defence and the draw puts them under pressure ahead of their next qualifier against group leaders Iraq on November 17.
Missing the A-League's leading scorer Bruce Djite, who is out due to injury, the Australians lacked a cutting edge and were unable to turn their significant possession into goals.
The Olyroos controlled the tempo of the game but Australia came away with little to show for their superiority as they struggled to find a way through a resolute Lebanon back line. As a result, Graham Arnold's team was left to try their luck from set pieces or from distance.
Nicky Ward saw his seventh minute header palmed away by goalkeeper Hassan Mogneigh before Kristian Sarkies' shot was deflected wide.
However, it was Lebanon striker Akram Moghrabi who had the best goal scoring opportunity in the first quarter of the game when his turn and shot on the corner of the penalty area was just wide of Daniel Vukovic's left upright.
Mogneigh was again on hand to deny the Australians in the 27th minute when he pushed Mark Bridge's header to safety before Moghrabi went close again at the other end when he volleyed Jihad El Helwi's free kick just wide of the target.
Sarkies was then off target with his free kick before James Troisi blew a great chance to give the Olyroos the lead in first half injury time when he lifted the ball over the bar after a fine one-two with Bridge finally put him behind the Lebanese defence.
The Australians came out in determined mood in the second half, with Bridge seeing his 49th minute effort pushed away by Mogneigh while Troisi's shot was cleared off the line by Hussein Amine from the resultant corner.
Five minutes later Moghrabi looked set to give Lebanon the lead as the hosts hit hard on the break only for a last-ditch challenge from Adam D'Apuzzo to block the shot and leave Zhakaria Charara to fire into the side netting.
The Australians then contrived to create and miss a host of chances, with Sarkies among those sending his header just wide while, with the game deep into stoppage time, Bridge saw his attempt deflected wide of the target as Lebanon held on for a point.
Iraq drew 0-0 against North Korea overnight which leaves both teams level on points,but with Iraq ahead on goal difference.
Both Australia and Iraq are on eight points with Iraq currently holding a three goal superiority. Goal difference will separate the teams if they finish the qualifying competition equal on points.
The result means the Olyroos must beat Iraq in their next match in November in Gosford or else thump North Korea by a large margin away from home if they draw.
A draw in the Olyroos game with Iraq would require Australia to then go on to beat North Korea by four goals or more to have any chance of qualifying for Beijing 2008.
The Qantas Under 23s will meet Iraq at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Saturday 17 November in the penultimate group match.
The Australians will then travel to Pyongyang to face DPR Korea four days later, with last night’s results meaning the Koreans have dropped out of contention with only the top team in the group to qualify for Beijing.
Australian line-up: Danny Vukovic (gk); Ruben Zadkovich, Adrian Leijer, Mark Milligan, Kristian Sarkies, Mark Bridge, Nathan Burns (David Williams 57’), Nick Ward, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Adam D’Apuzzo (Billy Celeski 78’), James Troisi (Jordan Simpson 84’)
Subs not used: Trent McClenahan, Nigel Boogaard, Tando Velaphi (gk)
Unavailable: Stuart Musialik
Cautions: Nil
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