Football’s return to Adelaide Oval was greeted with eager anticipation as the Socceroos expectedly defeated Tajikistan 7-0 in front of over 35,000 people.
Unsurprisingly, the Socceroos came out with all guns blazing. With just two minutes played, Massimo Luongo opened the scoring. Ten minutes later, debutant Apo Giannou was brought down by Alisher Tuychiev in the box and captain Mile Jedinak converted the ensuing penalty.
Eleven minutes into the second half, Giannou again was fouled in the box by Davronjon Ergashev. Mark Milligan stepped up and converted from the spot with aplomb to make it 3-0.
An Aaron Mooy cross to Nathan Burns at 66 minutes made it four, as the FC Tokyo man finished from all of three metres. With 30 minutes remaining, Giannou looked to have had his first goal, but replays showed the last touch in fact came off Rom Rogic, who was awarded with the goal. Barely a minute later, Rogic made it 6-0 with a sizzler from beyond the area.
At the 86th minute, Ryan McGowan’s cross found Nathan Burns who made it lucky seven for Australia, sending the Green and Gold to Sydney full of confidence ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Jordan.
Adelaide Oval’s atmosphere was disappointing
It was a long time coming for Adelaide since the Socceroos took on the Kiwis in 2011, the last time the national team took to the field in South Australia. Despite attracting the biggest attendance that state has seen for a Socceroos match, it was a rather dull vibe at Adelaide Oval.
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Was it the stadium? Who knows, but after an early Socceroos goal, the crowd did not seem too fired up over it. Fans leaving the ground early was also an indication of the disappointing atmosphere.
Socceroo strips are horrible on the eye
We had better get used to it now, it seemed nothing was wrong with green shorts. The Roos almost looked like Olympians with the bright yellow kits. If it is not broken, then do not fix it – it is a shame such a move was enforced by FIFA rules. It was good seeing the Wiggles in town though.
Apo Giannou was an excellent choice
Postecoglou could not have asked for more on Giannou’s debut as the Guangzhou R&F man was a pinnacle figure, winning two penalties, an assist as well as a goal. Postecoglou once again has proved he is willing to give anyone a go. He said on Wednesday it was up to the new boys on the block to deliver, and first impressions are good – let’s just hope they are not misleading.
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