Fourfourtwo - The Olyroos took a giant step
towards the Beijing Olympics after securing a 3-1 win over Iran at Hindmarsh
Stadium in Adelaide.
In front of a vocal crowd of 6,371 first half goals from Aaron Downes and a
penalty from Mark Bridge, plus a second half strike from home-town boy James
Troisi, were enough for Australia to gain three vital points in the
penultimate match of the second stage of the qualifying process.
Qantas Under 23s debutant Downes scored with a glancing header from a
Kristian Sarkies in just the third minute however Iran equalized less than a
minute later through Vahid Amraei.
Mark Milligan looked to have put Australia ahead in the 39th minute however
the referee ruled an infringement on the goalkeeper by goalscorer Downes.
However four minutes later Hassein Kaebi fouled James Troisi on the edge of
the penalty area and despite a lengthy delay Mark Bridge coolly slotted home
the penalty.
Eight minutes after the interval Troisi scored from 15 metres after a superb
build-up involving Trent McClenahan, Bridge and Nikolai Topor-Stanley.
Australia now need only a point in their final group match against Jordan in
Amman on June 6.
Australia though will have to do without the services of Newcastle Jets’
striker Bridge who was dismissed mid-way through the second half for an
incident off the ball involving Iranian defender Mohammad Esmaeil Nazari who
was cautioned for the same incident. Nikolai Topor-Stanley is also set to
miss the match after receiving his second caution of the campaign.
Saudi Arabia are on top of Group D with nine points, ahead of Australia on
eight points, Iran on five points and Jordan on two points. Saudi Arabia
will host Jordan overnight in Dammam.
The top two teams will progress to the third and final stage of qualifying,
where the remaining 12 nations will be split into three groups.
The third stage will be held from August 22 - November 21, with only the
three group winners representing Asia at the Beijing Olympic Games.
