Australia have come away with another famous victory against three time world champions Germany. It is fair to say Australia had a lot of luck go their way in this victory, but they fought hard to keep a young, creative German squad quiet - and they succeeded. It was refreshing to see Australia also manage to hold onto the ball once they had some confidence.
The first half was all Germany's as they felt their way into the match. They held possession well and created a few good opportunities, as well as winning numerous free kicks in around Australia's box. Australia just couldn't get the ball and when they did they struggled to hang onto it with misguided passes or good pressure and de-possessions from Germany in defence. It was Germany who struck first in the 26th minute after a build up of consistent pressure in Australia's half, debutant André Schürrle played a brilliant pass to Mario Gomez, who controlled and finessed the ball into the top left corner of the net. Germany had the confidence and went looking for a second soon after. They managed to win a free kick in shooting range and Lukas Podolski strode forward to take it, only managing to curl his effort wide of the right hand post. Australia's best chance of the half came from a quickly taken free kick by captain Lucas Neil who smashed the ball down field to Brett Holman, who in turn volleyed first time wide of the goal. Harry Kewell also had a chance after a nice turn between two German defenders but also blazed wide, as the first half ended 1 nil to Germany.
The second half got off to a much slower start, as Germany looked to relax both on and off the ball. This certainly gave Australia a whiff of getting back into the match and this was further helped when German manager Joachim Low brought off captain and lynchpin Bastian Schweinsteiger. The second goal of the match soon followed the substitution as David Carney looked to break down the left flank and played a neat one-two, but some sloppy defence from Germany allowed Carney to get in behind and one on one with the Tim Wiese - the German goal keeper - and slot neatly home between his legs, levelling the scores at 1 all. Australia now had the momentum and confidence for the first time in the match and minutes later Harry Kewell worked his way into the box only to be caught by German right back Christian Trasch. It was a heavily debatable decision as the referee pointed to the spot. Luke Wilkshire stepped up to the spot and struck home down the centre of the goal making it 2-1. Germany then looked to goal scoring hero Miroslav Klose to change the score, and he had one great opportunity but Socceroo gloves-man Mark Schwarzer was equal to the task. In the 80th minute we got to see German bound Robbie Kruse who replaced Harry Kewell, and one for the future Brent McGrath coming on for Holman in the 90th minute. A great result for Australia no matter how lucky it was, it will give the lads a lot of confidence heading into the 2014 world cup qualifiers. Lets just hope it puts football to the forefront of the sporting media in this country, after yet another giant killing performance by our boys.
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