ASA: Australia secured a historic result with their 1-1 draw against Venezuela in the friendly international played today. The ‘Socceroos’, who were only denied a win by a 92nd minute injury time equaliser, have never previously drawn or won against South American opposition in South America.
Paul Agostino scored for the Socceroos in the 18th minute in what was his first appearance in a national team shirt since appearing for Australia in the World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay in Montevideo in November 2001.
Venezuela are currently lying fifth in the South American World Cup qualifying tournament and have suffered only one defeat in their past 13 home international matches.
The winner of the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament will meet the fifth-placed South American team in late 2005 for the right to play in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
MATCH STATISTICS
Venezuela 1 (Juan Arango 92′)
Australia 1 (Paul Agostino 18′)
Australia line-up – Mark Schwarzer; Kevin Muscat, Craig Moore (c), Tony Popovic, Lucas Neill; Mile Sterjovski (Steve Laybutt 92′), Simon Colosimo, Marco Bresciano, Stan Lazaridis (Ahmad Elrich 28′); David Zdrilic (Nick Carle 83′), Paul Agostino (Tony Vidmar 62′)
Cautions: Colosimo 19′, Neill 35′, Muscat 54′
Referee: J Ruiz (Colombia)