China v Socceroos: 0-0 at half time
| > | Schwarzer saves point for Socceroos |
| > | Schwarzer: My save was lucky |
| > | Socceroos team named, no Kewell |
A defensive injury-hit Socceroos outfit has so far achieved its Chinese objective, keeping the World Cup qualifier with China locked at nil-nil at half time in Kunming.
With Harry Kewell joining the casualty list only hours before kick off, coach Pim Verbeek selected five defenders in an obvious ploy for a scoreless result. Striker Archie Thompson left the game on just eight minutes after being hurt after a Shuai Zhang challenge.
Socceroos midfielder Marco Bresciano missed a terrific chance to break the deadlock on 24 minute, when Thompson’s replacement Brett Holman found him in the box. Bresciano connected but couldn’t find sufficient power to get past Chinese keeper Lei Zong.
The hosts have poured on the pressure in the latter stages of the half, with Mark Schwarzer given plenty of headaches.
Australia won its opening qualifier against Qatar, while China scored a 1-1 draw away to Iraq.
Subscribe to The Serve by Email
No comments yet.