Thursday, March 28, 2024

Baghdad

Australia beats UAE to reach AFC Final Match

Australia beats UAE to reach AFC Final Match

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Goals came from unlikely sources in Trent Sainsbury and Jason Davidson as the Socceroos did what was required to set up a showpiece final against South Korea.

Australia brought centre-back Spiranovic back into the fold after his suspension from the quarter-final, and the return to the first XI paid immediate dividends when he ghosted onto a Mile Jedinak corner to nod home Australia’s opener in the third minute of the match.

The Socceroos looked well on top of affairs when full-back Davidson doubled the hosts’ lead with his first-ever international goal, side-footing home after Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie caused havoc in the box.

The UAE impressed in defeat, showing the fight and tenacity – if not the finishing touch – that saw it shock Japan in a penalty shoot-out win in the quarter-finals

Australia will face South Korea, who won the group stage clash between the two 1-0 in Brisbane, in the January 31 final in Sydney. South Korea won its semi-final against Iraq 2-0.

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