Sports
        

2011flash

Australia win, Japan toil in World Cup

Updated: 2011-09-07 14:11

(Agencies)

Twitter Facebook Myspace Yahoo! Linkedin Mixx

Australia win, Japan toil in World Cup

Australia's Joshua Kennedy (R) and Brett Holman celebrate a goal against Saudi Arabia during their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Damman Sept 6, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

RIYADH - Australia overcame heat and jetlag to ease past Saudi Arabia 3-1 while Japan looked jaded during a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup on Tuesday.

Australia's patchy 2-1 victory over Thailand last week was unconvincing but at Dammam two goals by Josh Kennedy and a penalty from Luke Wilkshire lifted the Socceroos to the top of Group D.

Kennedy opened his account against the Thais and on Tuesday he was at it again, heading a Wilkshire cross into the net just before halftime.

The Japan-based striker added a second goal on 56 minutes after cashing in on Brett Holman's defence-splitting pass.

The hosts pulled a goal back through Nassir Al Shamrani but Kennedy was then fouled in the box and Wilkshire converted his penalty in the 77th minute.

Australia win, Japan toil in World Cup

Saudi Arabia's Osama Hawsaawi (L) fights for the ball with Australia's Mile Jedinak during their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Damman Sept 6, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

By contrast, Japan's away-match experience was all about toiling for a draw.

Uzbekistan wasted a string of chances against a weary-looking Japan side yet to taste defeat in 13 games since Italian Alberto Zaccheroni took charge in October.

Captain Server Djeparov volleyed Uzbekistan into the lead after eight minutes, celebrating with a triple back flip as the home fans lit flares and roared with delight.

Shinji Okazaki's diving header gave Japan a barely-deserved equaliser in the 65th minute, triggering something of a shootout as both teams suddenly threw caution to the wind.

"Uzbekistan pushed us around a bit," Zaccheroni told reporters. "Give them credit, they are a very good side. We were better in the second half but we must play better than that."

Japan still top Group C on four points, ahead of Uzbekistan on goal difference.

DPR Korea, unlucky 1-0 losers in Japan on Friday, scraped past Tajikistan 1-0 in Pyongyang to go third in the group.

 

E-paper

The snuff of dreams

Chinese collectors have discovered the value of beautiful bottles

Perils in relying on building boom
Fast forward to digital age
Bonds that tie China. UK

European Edition

Specials

Let them eat cake

Cambridge University graduate develops thriving business selling cupcakes

A case is laid to rest

In 1937, a young woman'S body was found in beijing. paul french went searching for her killer

Banking on change

Leading economist says china must transform its growth model soon

Sowing the seeds of doubt
Lifting the veil
Exclusive attraction