China downs Australia
21 Jul, 2008
FOOTBALL: The men's under 23 football team have gone down to China PR Under 23s 0-1 in Changchun, China, in the first of three pre-Olympic Games warm up matches for the Australian Olympic Team.
A second half goal to Chinese substitute Zhao Xuri was the difference between the two teams.
Xuri found himself unmarked on the penalty spot in the 78th minute when he received the ball following a goal mouth scramble. Xuir was able to place his shot neatly inside the post, giving the Under 23s goalkeeper Tando Velaphi little chance of saving.
The match began in warm and humid conditions with China having the early advantage.Chinese striker Han Peng having the host’s first attempt on goal in the 18th minute, but his shot flew over the crossbar.
The under 23s defence led by Mark Milligan defused much of the early pressure and came back into the game midway through the half to take the upper-hand. A number of free-kicks around the China penalty box created many problems.
Just before half-time, an Australian defensive error was pounced on by Zhou Haibin who laid off a pass to Gao Lin in the box who went up against Tando Velaphi. Lin’s ensuing shot was well-saved by Velaphi, who got down well and pushed the the ball wide of the post to send the teams into the break scoreless.
The second half began with China having an early chance with a free-kick in just outside the box in the middle of the field. With every Australian player behind the ball, China captain Zheng Zhi hit his shot narrowly over the crossbar.
Both teams then traded scoring opportunities with Ruben Zadkovich coming the closest for Australia in the 54th minute with a header at the far post which was well saved by Qiu Shangjong in the China goal.
After coming on as a substitute for Kristian Sarkies in the 57th minute, Nikita Rukavytsya caused many problems for the Chinese defence with his pace upfront. A break-away by Rukavytsya in the 75th minute the best of his opportunities to score.
China responded well with a break down the right which resulted in a well placed cross. Australia tried to clear, but the ball landed at the feet of Zhao Xuri who made no mistake with his effort.
China could have doubled their lead shortly after when Dong Fangzhou beat three defenders at the edge of the box but was expertly denied by some fine goalkeeping by Velaphi.
Mark Bridge came the closest to equalising just before full-time with a stinging shot from the edge of the box which brought a save out of Qiu Shengjong to ensure that the host nation took the win.
Following the match, Australian head coach Graham Arnold was disappointed with the final result, but happy with the commitment of his players.
“You never like to lose a match, but there were plenty of positives for us and also plenty of things to work on in the lead up to the Olympics, " Arnold said.
“Of course we can play much better, but we have done some pretty heaving travelling to get to this game and as a result fatigue may have been a factor.
“The purpose of these matches was to get acclimatised to the conditions that we are likely to face in Shanghai for our opening match. As host nation, China has had a good preparation leading into the match and I expect them to go well in the tournament.
“I didn’t start a few players, Jade North and Archie Thompson included, to ensure that they are fresh for the whole campaign. We expect both Jade and Archie start against Japan on Thursday.”
The only injury concern for Australia occurred midway through the first half when Matthew Spiranovic received a mild concussion in a challenge. Spiranovic was substituted at half time as a precautionary measure and the team medical staff will monitor his condition.
The Aussies will now travel to Kobe, Japan, where they will face the Japan Under 23 National team at the Home’s Stadium on Thursday 24 July (Kick-off 8:00pm AEST).
Football Australia