Aussies 1 v 0 Ghana in Scrappy Friendly

By: Daniel | May 23rd, 2008

Australia 1 Ghana 0

Just came back from the pub after watching a game that probably symbolises the fact that it was a friendly match, featuring what was effectively an Australian ‘B’ side on the park.

The first half was boring as bat-shit to watch as neither team did particularly anything at all. I was very disappointed with Harry Kewell’s performance. I guess it may be because he was lacking match fitness but he was never really a part of the game and didn’t show what he was capable of at all. It was a very scrappy first period, one where neither team could get a real hold of the proceedings at all.

The match picked up in the second with Mile Sterjovski slotting it within seconds of the restart. Was a very good goal from a player that has been slated by his own coach recently. If it hadn’t been for him getting sent off, id have given him man of the match. As the second half wore on the Aussie began to get a very good hold of the game, with nice pieces of play. Then the unthinkable happened… Pim put on Danny Allsopp…. why oh why is he even in the team selection!!!?? From what i remember he only got one touch of the ball all game! Anyways approx the same time “super”dan came on, the game seemed to switch into Ghana’s favour. I was very impressed with the way the Ghanaians played without many of their star players in the side. They really ripped us in the later part of the game.. had it not been for the fantastic defensive work of the Aussies, Ghana would have surely scored. They probably deserved a draw tonight.

The Aussie defence was fantastic in this game. The whole back line were sturdy and held off the Ghana attack throughout the match. I was impressed by Adam Griffiths and Socceroo Debutant Matthew Spiranovic. They both showed that they could step up when and if the manager needed them. Can’t say the same about Adams brother Joel as he had a very quiet one tonight.

Basically i don’t think that Verbeek learnt anything from this match other than that he has reliable backup in the defensive department. I dont think any of the players stepping into the mid-field or attack impressed at all.

Match Report

Special Mention to the girls! Australia 2 Canada 1

The Matildas took part in a match against Canada right before the Socceroos. The game finished off 2-1, with Caitllin Munoz the star performer for the aussies, setting up the first and scoring the second. The second was crossed in by 17 year old Elise Perry who also plays for the womens national team in Cricket. Some people are just too good at everything! Fuck! hehe anyway heres some vision of that game. I like giving the womens game a shout out here and there.