Australia (0) v (3) Austria
AUSTRIA has downed Australia in the opening match of the 2008 Homeless World Cup at Federation Square.
Australia (0) v (3) Austria
By Judith Kirszbaum
AUSTRIA has downed Australia in the opening match of the 2008 Homeless World Cup at Federation Square.
In a match up between the host nation and the winners of the inaugural HWC, Austria proved too powerful for the Street Socceroos, winning 3-0.
The players ran onto the field to a loud reception from the 2500-strong crowd. The teams stood proud as their anthems were played and then the game began.
Australia got the match started by firing a powerful shot towards goal, forcing Austrian goalkeeper Richard Hackl into a save.
Street Socceroo captain Alex Marshall made a few strong attempts for goals but Hackl proved too powerful to let any of them pass.
Austria soon took control of the match. Although the Australian goalkeeper made a few brilliant saves, Austrian's attacks were too strong and Serkan Yavuz scored the first goal for Austria mid-way through the first half.
Australian's Eddy Halid and Marshall were star players in attack but Austria's defence was too strong.
The second half saw Austrian players Gerard Fasching and Orhan Yildrich both find the back of the net.
Stephen Maloney was a stalwart for Australia in defence.
Photo Glenn Bailey / Photoworx