Socceroos just about book their World Cup ticket

April 2, 2009

After spending years trying to claim the last World Cup qualifying spot, Australia look like they have claimed the first. Their 2-0 win over Uzbekistan sees them holding a nine point lead over third place in the five-team soccer league. For them not to qualify for the World Cup from here, the Socceroos would have to lose their final three qualifiers and either Bahrain or Qatar would have to win their final three matches. Given that Australia hasn’t conceded a goal in five matches of the Fourth Round thus far, this scenario looks highly unlikely if not downright impossible.

In torrential conditions, Australia came out a bit unsettled against Uzbekistan. They were not playing the high level of soccer they are used to playing. First touches were sloppy, passes were missing the mark and shots on goal were off target. The crowd was getting restless and wanted to see a goal. With the score still at 0-0 at half-time, many soccer betting fans would have been starting to get a bit edgy.

Things changed though, when Josh Kennedy came out. The man-mountain intimidated the Uzbekis and scored the first goal with a crisp header. Shortly after, a second one followed when Harry Kewell coolly converted a penalty.With the three points now assured, Australia negotiated the final 15 minutes without incident.

Besides Australia and Pim Verbeek, Japan were the big winners on the night. With Bahrain still to play Qatar later, Japan maintains a seven point lead over third place. They next play Uzbekistan away and a point there should be enough for them to seal automatic qualification.

The final three qualifiers are going to be played over the space of 11 days. Australia begin with an away game in Qatar followed by two back to back games in Australia against Bahrain and Japan. By then, qualification should be a distant memory, freeing Australia up to play some more carefree soccer. Australia also receives the benefit of being able to rest players and blood new ones.

They should also begin the work of organizing a schedule of World Cup warm-up games. Having qualified for the World Cup means they are going to be a far more attractive opponent. Australia can also begin turning its attention to 4 December which is the date the 2010 World Cup draw is going to be conducted.

David Wiseman is a sports journalist, who also writes about cricket and tennis for Betfair Australia. He isexcited that Australia are ‘almost there’ in their World Cup qualifying bid, and can now concentrate on preparing himself for the Ashes cricket this spring.

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