Australia (5) v (4) Hong Kong
Australia (5) v (4) Hong Kong
By George Thomson
AUSTRALIA beat Hong Kong 5-4 in yet another tight game on Melbourne Pitch.
Despite not playing at their usual home at Fed Square, the Australian team still enjoyed massive support from the stands.
Not to be outdone, the Hong Kong coach sought to became a one man cheer squad, screaming out encouragement and banging his fist on the side walls.
His spirits were raised further when his team took an early lead, a deflected shot deceiving the Aussie keeper.
The lead was soon doubled, as Chu lashed in from an angle.
Australia responded, Slaughter and Maloney both scoring to even things up and raise the crowd.
Despite missing a penalty, Maloney added another to earn his team a 3-2 half time lead.
Australia continued to dominate as the second half progressed, but Hong Kong hung on thanks largely to their keeper, who pulled off three acrobatic saves.
His heroics allowed his team to work their way back into the match, Chu equalising with a fierce drive into the top corner.
With full time looming Australia were awarded a penalty and an opportunity to steal the match.
Up stepped Eddie Halid, who appeared calmness personified as he stroked the ball home.
The crowd knew what it meant, and will be back in numbers tomorrow to cheer their team on to victory.
Photo: Michael Brown/Photoworx