FIFA World Cup Friendlies: United States 3-1 Australians

The United States faced Australia in their last World Cup warm up match before the finals in Roodeport, South Africa. The U.S ran away comfortable 3-1 winners with Buddle scoring a brace against the Socceroos.

The United States immediately started on the front foot taking advantage of lax concentration from the Australians. Vincenzo Grella was robbed of the ball by Buddle who sent a ferocious shot from 20 yards which beat Mark Schwarzer.

The Australians were being harried off possession by the Americans industry and continued to struggle to retain the ball. Findley had a glorious opportunity and an open goal to put the ball into but failed to properly get his shot off.

The Australians began to get back into it soon enough however and punished the Americans as Tim Cahill found himself free to tap in at the far post following a corner.

The game seemed there for the taking as both goalkeepers were kept on their feet. Clint Dempsey had perhaps the best chance of the half when he found himself one on one with the American goalkeeper, but Mark Schwarzer dived and saved the Fulham midfielder’s low shot.

The Americans took their next chance clinically, as Buddle once again rose and headed home a beautiful corner from Marco Bresciano to make it 2-1.

Despite it being a friendly match, there were some rash tackles being made throughout the field and the last thing that both sides or for that matter this World Cup needed was for another player to get injured in the friendlies.

The half ended 2-1 with both sides capitalizing on some poor defending.

The United States once again started the stronger side and had the ball in the back of the net only for Findley to be called offside in the build-up play.

The Aussies looked to equalize through set pieces and made a whole host of substitutions as Marcus Hahneman seemed unable to command his area and had trouble judging crosses.

Despite all the Australian pressure the United States held on and added a third goal late in injury time. Substitute Herculez Gomez finishing Landon Donovan’s through ball emphatically.

This friendly match highlighted the deficiencies in defense of both sides. The Americans were able to capitalize on these errors much better than the Aussies and in the end deserved their victory. The coaches will have to ensure that the defense tightens up if they don’t want to get hammered by the big South African and European countries.