1 post tagged “mile sterjovski”

by Cindy Tran                   
at Sydney Football Stadium

PIM Verbeek can certainly add another tremendous achievement to his coaching career, after last night's friendly clash as his team defeated Ghana 1-0 at Sydney Football Stadium in front of almost 30, 000 fans.

With only 48 seconds into the second-half, Mile Sterjovski's goal was enough to secure a win that night.

Although the game started as patchy and inconsistent, Verbeek has led the team to another victory over Ghana who are ranked 14th in the world. With Verbeek coaching the team through four games so far, there's been two wins and no loses.

Sterjovski had a late send off after receiving the second yellow card. He lunged Afful Harrison in the ankles during 30 minutes into first half; and for a silly shirt tug during second half.

Socceroos captain, Harry Kewell was impressed by the performance and the hard work put in by his team mates.

"It was an interesting game," Kewell said. "It wasn't pretty. You can plan a lot of things and that, but we grinded it out. It shows the determination of the young squad we've got here. It was the first time we've played together, so again it obviously showed, but when you don't go well you stick to your plan, pick up your man and work hard." *

Ghanaian players felt embarrassed and unwelcomed after a stadium announcer confirmed that their national anthem was misplaced but was rapidly played after half time.

Ghana came close with an equaliser when substitute Deick Asamoah's cross flew passed Schwarzer's goal, and were looking most likely to score back with the numerous corners given.

Cindy Tran ©

* Quote from the Daily Telegraph Newspaper
www.dailytelegraph.com.au
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Page 39

* Pictures from Getty Images