Soccer: Australia score late winner against All Whites

Australia scored a late goal to beat New Zealand 1-0 in their international friendly at Fulham's Craven Cottage in London today.


Simon Colosimo's 86th minute thunderous low drive from outside the penalty box secured the win for the Confederation Cup-bound Socceroos.


All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston pulled off a great save minutes before Colosimo's strike to keep New Zealand in the match, but a tiring defence allowed the Australian strikers too much space in the closing quarter.


Just as the game seemed destined for a scoreless draw, the goal came as Tim Cahill played the ball out to the left, where Scott Chipperfield centred to an unmarked Colosimo.


The Perth Glory midfielder had time for a controlling touch and then drilled his left-foot drive into the bottom right corner of the net.


The goal would have come as a relief for coach Frank Farina, whose position has been the subject of further speculation this week, as he doubtlessly considered the consequences of a draw against New Zealand outfit lacking anything resembling star quality.


Despite the loss, New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert would have taken some satisfaction from the result, with an Australian side boasting a handful of English Premiership players expected to steamroll the All Whites.


The All Whites battled gallantly without five frontline players, but the presence of Blackburn Rovers defender and regular New Zealand skipper Ryan Nelsen was sorely missed.


New Zealand's defence profited from some poor finishing from the Socceroos as three first half opportunities went begging.


The theme continued after the break, and as the match opened up, both sides were guilty of wasting goal scoring chances with limp shots and loose passing.


New Zealand midfielder Adrian Webster had an impressive debut with a couple of sweetly timed strikes, but apart from Che Bunce's shot which was sharply deflected by the Australian keeper, the All Whites rarely threatened the Socceroos goal in the second half.


All Whites midfielder Brent Fisher found space in the 29th minute after some well worked passing, but he pushed his shot wide in their best attacking move of the first half.Australia 1 (Simon Colosimo 86) New Zealand 0.

- NZPA