Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Centre-back James Donachie and striker Jamie Maclaren scored in either half as Australia picked up their first points of the AFC U23 Championship with a 2-0 win over a hard-working Vietnam on Sunday at Grand Hamed Stadium.
Donachie opened the scoring inside the first two minutes as Aurelio Vidmar’s side looked to bounce back from Thursday’s 1-0 opening day defeat by the United Arab Emirates after the Olyroos conceded a last-gasp own goal.
And with Maclaren adding a second on the hour mark despite a determined display from Toshiya Miura’s Vietnam, Australia head intoWednesday’s meeting with Jordan firmly in the qualification picture in Group D.
“It was a very positive game for us. I knew going into the game we had to rebound following the defeat by the UAE three days ago and I was really confident we would bounce back and that is what they did and we controlled the game for long periods of the game. We got a little sloppy in the second half, but their goalkeeper made some fine saves and we potentially could have had more goals, but I am still very satisfied to win 2-0,” said Australia coach Vidmar.
“It was a very tough game. We knew it would be a tough game as they are well coached and well organised and they have made big improvements in the last few years. They have lots of 1995 born players that suggests they are investing in youth.”
Looking to make a belated start to their campaign following their heartbreaking defeat by the UAE at the same venue earlier in the week, Australia made the ideal start as Donachie was on hand to fire into the net via the underside of the crossbar from the edge of the six yard area after Vietnam defender Dao Duy Khanh had struggled to deal with Alex Gersbach’s corner after just two minutes.
And another Gersbach delivery two minutes later almost handed Australia a quickfire second, but fortunately for Vietnam, goalkeeper Phi Minh Long was able to apply a crucial touch as Duy Khanh’s near post header looked on course for the back of the net.