Asia World Cup Qualifying: China 0 - 0 Australia

March 26, 2008

A late penalty miss by Shao Jiayi cost China three points in their 2010 World Cup Qualifying Match against Australia on Wednesday. Despite a second half onslaught by the Chinese, Australia hung on to earn a vital away point which keeps them top of their qualification section after the second round of matches.

Middlesborough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was the hero, diving low to his left to save Jiayi’s penalty and keep the Socceroos on course for the 2010 finals. It was a crucial point for Australia and keeps them top of the so-called Asian “Group of Death” which also features 2007 Asia cup winners Iraq.

The tie had loomed as a difficult one for the visitors after China’s decision to play at 1,900 metres (6,233 feet) and in the afternoon heat.

Australia were without key men including Everton star Tim Cahill, Celtic striker Scott McDonald and experienced Blackburn man Brett Emerton, who was a key player at the 2006 World Cup.

After a quiet opening period, China came out firing for the second half and tested Schwarzer with striker Zhu Ting’s header.

Shandong Luneng Han Peng fluffed a clear scoring chance soon after, disappointing 32,500 fans at Tuodong Stadium.

Schwarzer then turned from villain to hero, saving the penalty kick which he conceded with a foul on Qu Bo, which looked likely to give China a vital three points.

Australia stay provisionally top of Group 1 after beating Qatar 3-0 in their opening match, while China earn their first point following their draw with Iraq. Qatar and Iraq play later.

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