Cricket
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Australia edge past resilient Palestine 1-0 to continue perfect campaign
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The Australian team faced a formidable challenge from Palestine and were able to edge past them 1-0 in their World Cup qualifying match.
The match began with Australia under siege, as Palestine’s aggressive play caught the Socceroos off guard. In the early minutes, Tamer Seyam nearly breached Australia’s defenses with a dangerous free-kick that goalkeeper Mathew Ryan had to deflect at the near post. The Socceroos responded with an attempt of their own when Connor Metcalfe tested the Palestinian keeper from distance, but his effort was comfortably saved.
Despite the rocky start, Australia found their rhythm and broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. It was a moment of aerial prowess from Souttar, as he met Craig Goodwin’s swirling corner kick. With a precise header, he sent the ball crashing into the net, marking his 10th international goal.
The Socceroos continued to press forward, with Goodwin nearly setting up another goal with a tantalizing cross that found Metcalfe at the back post. However, his volley failed to trouble the Palestinian goalkeeper. As halftime approached, Palestine almost leveled the score from a corner, but Ryan showcased his reflexes with a stunning save to deny them.
The second half saw Australia struggling to maintain their offensive momentum, with clear-cut chances proving elusive. Nonetheless, the introduction of substitutes Mitchell Duke and Brandon Borrello injected fresh energy into the team. Borrello’s incisive run and shot brought out a fine save from the Palestinian custodian, while Jordan Bos came agonizingly close to doubling the lead, his header thundering against the woodwork.
Palestine remained a threat, especially on the counter-attack, and they nearly found their reward when Oday Dabbagh’s effort took a deflection and narrowly missed the target. As the match entered its final phase, the Socceroos’ resolve was put to the test as the Palestinian side were on the front foot
Souttar and Kye Rowles stood tall in defence, clearing crosses and thwarting Palestinian advances.
The Socceroos secured another three points on their journey towards World Cup qualification and maintained their perfect start to the campaign.
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