2010 will mark only the third Australian appearance at the football World Cup
The Aussie football team have booked their place in the 2010 World Cup thanks to a goalless draw against Qatar at the Al Sadd Club in Doha.
The Socceroos needed only a point to secure qualification against a youthful but determined Qatar side. Their draw means they have ensured a consecutive World Cup appearance for the first time, with 2010 being only the third time the Australian’s have appeared in the tournament.
“It’s amazing, it hasn’t sunk in yet,” said captain Lucas Neill said after the match, commenting, “it’s an unbelievable achievement.
“I’m so proud we’ve created some history for the country and we can sit back now and see who’s going to join us.”
Both sides made a tentative start with Qatar’s star striker Sebastian Soria Quintana looking the most likely to open the scoring, and he had several chances before the Socceroos took control.
Tim Cahill struck the post with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 27th minute, with Vince Grella firing a volley just over the bar in the 33rd minute.
Australia stepped up their game early in the second half with a raft of chances, the best coming from Cahill who was denied another stunner when his drive was brilliantly saved in the 57th minute by Burhan.
In the end Australia’s inability to convert a chance didn’t matter, as Pim Verbeek’s men clinched qualification with two matches to go, having not conceding a goal in six.
“It’s a bit strange, you don’t really have the feeling that you qualified for the World Cup, that feeling will come in the coming days,” Verbeek said.
“The boys are feeling fantastic , I think they did a great job, very professional job.
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