First published in The Age on December 21, 1997
Socceroos on song
SOCCER Riyadh, Saturday
A GOLDEN goal from the golden boot of Harry Kewell has set up the Socceroos for a fairytale rematch against world champion Brazil in the final of the Confederations Cup.
Australian players celebrate their victory against Uruguay in the semi-final of the Confederation Cup.Credit:AP
“I just looked up and hit it,” said Kewell of his 25-metre thunderbolt, which added South American giant Uruguay to Australia’s growing list of world-class scalps.
With an explosive strike, the teenager who can do no wrong propelled Australia into Monday’s final (4.45am AEST) of the prestigious $12.33 million cup.
Kewell extinguished Uruguay’s flame just 80 seconds into sudden-death extra time after a goalless 90 minutes.
Kewell’s third goal for the Socceroos — he also scored in both matches against Iran last month — provided further proof that their World Cup demise was a tragic aberration.
Reaching the decider in Riyadh from a field that included four World Cup finalists has not only made the soccer world sit up and take notice, but has given its chair a good shake, too.
Kewell’s manager at Leeds United, George Graham, says the 19-year-old could be a “sensation”.
Australian coach Terry Venables says Kewell is not potentially a good player: “He’s a good player now.”
The Australians had already beaten three of the 32 World Cup finalists — Norway, South Korea and Tunisia — before coming to the Saudi capital. Now they have added Mexico to that list, drawn with Brazil and conquered Uruguay, the only former World Cup winner not going to France next year.
“You don’t get those sorts of results just on luck,” said Venables, who will now take a national team to a competition final for the first time in three attempts.
His England side lost to Germany in the Euro 96 semi-finals on a penalty shoot-out, and his Socceroos were eliminated from the World Cup by Iran on the away-goals rule.
Maybe his luck is due for a change.
Venables would swap it all for a spot in France, but he pronounced himself “thrilled” at joining Brazil in the Confederations Cup final.
“It’s fantastic. The boys have done a magnificent job and they deserve it,” he said. “To play Brazil once is a thrill. To play them again is going to be a huge game.”
He said Kewell’s shot at goal was “as sweet as you can get”. Uruguay’s goalkeeper, Claudio Flores, got a hand to it, but could not prevent it from hurtling into the net.
Australia’s share of the cup prize-money will now be at least $2.12 million, but victory over Brazil would make it $2.31 million — double the guarantee for making it here in the first place.
The Socceroos, who last week threatened to strike for a bigger slice of Australia’s take, had made it clear they were playing under protest, but it was not reflected in their game.
Goalkeeper Mark Bosnich again underlined his world class by saving the two best chances of the 90 minutes, created by young Uruguayan strikers Marcelo Zalayeta and Nicolas Olivera, described by Venables as “frighteningly talented”.
The second attempt, 12 minutes before time, was the most crucial. Bosnich tipped the ball round his left post after Zalayeta ghosted in behind captain Alex Tobin and volleyed from close range.
Australia owed much to its back four: Tobin, earning his 77th full cap, just seven behind Paul Wade’s record; Milan Ivanovic, the oldest player in the tournament who was celebrating his 37th birthday today; Kevin Muscat, making a rare appearance; and Tony Vidmar, who replaced suspended Steve Horvat.
Uruguayan coach Victor Pua said his players might have been slightly nervous but were “really upset” at the result after having the upper hand for most of the match.
The Socceroos drew 0-0 with Brazil in their group match but now face the World Cup holders for the title after Romario and Ronaldo scored in Brazil’s 2-0 demolition of the Czech Republic in the other semi-final.
The Brazilians, prompted by the brilliance of Denilson, Roberto Carlos, Leonardo and Juninho, looked in awesome form, making Australia’s task the toughest in world soccer.
