Australia down Serbia
Posted: Jun 23 2010
Australia's World Cup dream has come to an end, despite beating Serbia 2-1 in Nelspruit. Both teams are out of the tournament following Germany's 1-0 win against Ghana.
The Australia goals were scored by Tim Cahill and Brett Holman while Marko Pantelic pulled a goal back for Serbia.
The Europeans dominated play in the first half, but failed to convert one of the chances they created. Australia then took over the initiative after the break and eventually cruised to a 2-1 victory.
Australia created their first good chance minutes after the half hour mark. Mark Bresciano floated in a perfect cross from the left and Tim Cahill beat his marker to the ball before heading the ball just wide.
Kuzmanovic got some time and space to send in a cross from the right wing and the Stuttgart starlet found Zigic at the penalty spot with his precise pass. However, the former Valencia star aimed his header wide of the Australian target.
The first good chance of the second half was for Beli Orlovi. Jovanovic found Zigic inside the Australian box, but the towering striker aimed too high and blasted the ball over the bar.
The Socceroos took the lead after 69 minutes of play. An outstanding cross from the right found the head of the jumping Cahill and the Everton star found the net with a superb header.
Substiture Brett Holman doubled the Socceroos' lead only minutes after the opener. The AZ star picked up a loose ball in midfield before starting a surging run from midfield. The Serbian defence allowed Holman too much space and the attacking midfielder fired home from 25 yards out.
The Serbians didn't give up though and pegged one back in the 84th minute. Schwarzer failed to hold on to Zoran Tosic' long range strike and Ajax star Marko Pantelic was alert to tap home the rebound.
Pantelic then thought to have drawn things level again, but goal was disallowed for offside. Kennedy then got the chance to restore Australia's two-goal difference after great work, but the towering striker placed the ball just wide of the Serbian goal.
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