A gutsy performance by the Socceroos against Thailand on Tuesday night has ensured their entry into the final stage of the qualifying round for the World Cup.
The 1-0 win to Australia, has ensured that whether or not they lose to Saudi Arabia next year in February, the are in the final stages of qualifying for the World Cup. Brett Holman who scored the only goal of the match wtih some clever play and help from Brett Emerton.
Tuesday nights game was a tense-filled affair with the old national stadium at Supachalasi crammed to its. 22,000 capacity, making the venue hot and steamy in typical Bangkok weather. Many of the commentators have noted that the Socceroos were lucky to take the three points, but the Australian side remains adamant that it was their performance under arduous conditions that meant for their survival.
“The conditions were difficult, the pitch was difficult and they were always going to put us under pressure. They’re the second best team in the group,” said goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. “Sometimes it’s difficult when you come to places like this, a very different environment which makes it difficult to play the style of football you want to play.”
Captain Lucas Neill said the game against Thailand was a “gutsy, dogged and a great battle” for Australia and called Thailand “the hardest team [they’ve played] quashing rumours that it was an easy win for the Socceroos.