Australia (1) v (9) South Africa

By Tom Lyons

The Republic of South Africa took fifth spot in the City Cup, out-classing the Street Socceroos on Melbourne Pitch.

A scrappy affair had the Australians in the game early but South Africa took control in the second half, running out convincing 9-1 winners.

The Australian goalkeeper, Chad Bartosik, played well early, stopping several South African shots. However, when his foot slipped outside the keeper’s ‘D’, South Africa were able to convert the penalty and make it 1-0.

Coen Slaughter battled hard in attack and defence, and his intensity lifted the Socceroos. He equalised after taking the ball from a Bartosik throw, wrong-footing the South African goalkeeper.

The Australians were prevented any room when they gained possession as Stephen Maloney was closely checked. When Vuyo scored, followed by a lucky bounce for Mhcongo, South Africa were up 3-1 at half time.

After the break, South Africa was content to share the ball around, keeping possession until they found space for Thys and Mhcongo to add another two goals. It was 5-1 after two minutes, the Australians still had plenty of time to catch up, if they were good enough.

But when Mhcongo deceived the Australian keeper for his second, the game became the South African’s.

Slaughter, continued to battle hard at both ends of the pitch, but it wasn’t enough. The South Africans asserted their authority and piled on another three before full time.

Photos: Photoworx