Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
London: Australia edged fellow AFC Asian Cup 2015 hopefuls Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a friendly on Monday night to record their first win in almost ten months.
Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak fired the Socceroos into an early lead, although Ange Postecoglou’s charges were eventually grateful for debutant Bailey Wright’s second half strike which was sandwiched in between goals from Saudi duo Hassan Muath and Taisir Al Jassim.
The victory broke a run of six losses in seven games for Australia – including three defeats at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil - and will provide them with a major psychological boost as they continue their Asian Cup preparations ahead of hosting the continent’s premier competition in January next year.
On a night of high drama, Cahill needed only three minutes to break the deadlock in London, the New York Red Bulls’ midfielder firing home the 36th goal of his international career after hesitancy in the Saudi defence.
Australia doubled their advantage on six minutes when captain Jedinak converted Josh Brillante’s free-kick, before both Cahill and Mathew Leckie came close to further extending their side’s advantage before half-time.
The Saudis, coached by Spaniard Juan Ramon Lopez Caro, started the second period brightly, and came close to reducing the deficit through a Yasir Al Shahrani effort which he put over goalkeeper Mitch Langerak’s bar.
The three-time Asian Cup winners did eventually hit back in the 71st minute, Muath converting a penalty after the advancing Langerak had brought down Mukhtar Fallatah.
The Saudi joy was relatively short-lived however, as Preston North End defender Wright netted from six yards, before resolute Australian defending denied Yahia Al Shehri a stunning individual goal.
Al Jassim then slid in at the far post to give Saudi Arabia a glimmer of hope, but Australia duly survived a nervy ending to seal a much needed victory.
At the Asian Cup itself, Australia begin their Group A campaign with a fixture against Kuwait on January 9, before facing Oman and Korea Republic.
Saudi Arabia have been drawn in Group B where they are up against Uzbekistan, DPR Korea and China, their opening opponents on January 10.
Photo: AFP