International Friendlies
There were also impressive victories for China PR, Guam and Indonesia while Jordan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia - who are also preparing for the global showpiece - were also in action.
Australia - the highest-ranked nation taking part in this year’s edition of the FIFA Series - struggled for long periods at home against Cameroon.
On an evening when Ajdin Hrustic had a second-half penalty saved and Connor Metcalfe limped off with injury, the highlights were Jordan Bos’ late toe-poked winner and an impressive debut from 18-year-old central defender Lucas Herrington.
On an evening when Ajdin Hrustic had a second-half penalty saved and Connor Metcalfe limped off with injury, the highlights were Jordan Bos’ late toe-poked winner and an impressive debut from 18-year-old central defender Lucas Herrington.
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China PR turned on the power to defeat higher-ranked Curacao 2-0. Forward Zhang Yuning’s flicked header set up Wei Shihao’s well-taken opener before he pounced on a shaky clearance to slam home the second.
A pair of goals in each half saw Indonesia breeze past St Kitts and Nevis to open their FIFA Series campaign with victory.
Beckham Putra got the first after rounding St Kitts stopper Julani Archibald to tuck home, and quickly doubled the lead with a neat finish from just inside the area. After assisting the first two, Ole Romeny got himself on the scoresheet by firing in after St Kitts failed to clear a corner. There was still time for Mauro Zijlstra to add a fourth, slotting beyond Archibald when clean through on goal.
A pair of goals in each half saw Indonesia breeze past St Kitts and Nevis to open their FIFA Series campaign with victory.
Beckham Putra got the first after rounding St Kitts stopper Julani Archibald to tuck home, and quickly doubled the lead with a neat finish from just inside the area. After assisting the first two, Ole Romeny got himself on the scoresheet by firing in after St Kitts failed to clear a corner. There was still time for Mauro Zijlstra to add a fourth, slotting beyond Archibald when clean through on goal.
Uzbekistan, preparing for their FIFA World Cup debut, came from behind to defeat Gabon 3-1, ensuring the White Wolves have lost just two of their previous 36 matches.
It was the African side who opened the scoring, with Teddy Averlant stealing in to net his first international goal. The lead didn't last long, however, with Eldor Shomurodov neatly converting a deep Azizjon Ganiev free-kick for his 44th Uzbekistan goal. The comeback was complete just before the hour, with Jakhongir Urozov heading in, before Alisher Odilov made the game safe in stoppage time.
Jordan, also set to appear in the FIFA World Cup for the first time, played to a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica while Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia suffered defeats. Iran were edged 2-1 by Nigeria while Saudi Arabia fell 4-0 against Egypt.
It was the African side who opened the scoring, with Teddy Averlant stealing in to net his first international goal. The lead didn't last long, however, with Eldor Shomurodov neatly converting a deep Azizjon Ganiev free-kick for his 44th Uzbekistan goal. The comeback was complete just before the hour, with Jakhongir Urozov heading in, before Alisher Odilov made the game safe in stoppage time.
Jordan, also set to appear in the FIFA World Cup for the first time, played to a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica while Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia suffered defeats. Iran were edged 2-1 by Nigeria while Saudi Arabia fell 4-0 against Egypt.
Guam delivered a commanding performance to defeat American Samoa 6-0 in Puerto Rico, claiming only their second-ever win over the Oceania side.
Ross Awa’s team stormed into a four-goal half-time lead, with 17-year-old Levi Berg scoring twice and an early own goal setting the tone. Elijah Ochoa also found the net in a dominant first-half display, with captain Jason Cunliffe pulling the strings.
American Samoa improved after the break, but Alec Taitague and James Gomez added further goals to complete the rout. The victory follows Guam’s first win over American Samoa, a 2-0 result at the 2011 Pacific Games.
Photos: AFP
Ross Awa’s team stormed into a four-goal half-time lead, with 17-year-old Levi Berg scoring twice and an early own goal setting the tone. Elijah Ochoa also found the net in a dominant first-half display, with captain Jason Cunliffe pulling the strings.
American Samoa improved after the break, but Alec Taitague and James Gomez added further goals to complete the rout. The victory follows Guam’s first win over American Samoa, a 2-0 result at the 2011 Pacific Games.
Photos: AFP
