ESPN Network:
ESPN.com
ESPN Deportes
Fantasy Games
|
|
|
| Saturday, June 2, 2001 09:58 EST |
Australia scores upset over France
[Reuters]
TAEGU, South Korea -- Australia scored one of the
biggest wins in its soccer history when it defeated a
new-look France 1-0 in the Confederations Cup on Friday.
The world and European champions finished the match with 10
men after captain Frank Leboeuf, one of only three members of
the 1998 World Cup-winning team to start, was sent off for a
bad tackle on Australian scorer Clayton Zane 15 minutes from
time.
The only goal came after 59 minutes following France's
failure to clear a Josip Skoko free-kick from 20 meters.
Debutant goalkeeper Gregory Coupet touched it on to the
woodwork but was powerless to stop striker Zane chipping in.
France had the ball in the back of the Australian net a few
minutes later but Frederic Nee, who was also making his debut,
had his goal disallowed for offside. It was France's second
defeat since winning the 2000 European title.
Australian coach Frank Farina was delighted with the result
which all but ensures that his side, who beat champions Mexico
2-0 in their first group A match, reach the last four of the
"mini World Cup."
"It was fantastic to get a win," he said. "In the second
half I thought we played exceptionally well -- the defense was
very well-organized.
"To be honest it was not something we expected -- we didn't
think about beating France."
France coach Roger Lemerre made 11 changes to the team
which thrashed South Korea 5-0 on Wednesday and gave debuts to
five players: Coupet, Nicolas Gillet, Nee, Jeremie Brechet and
Zoumana Camara.
Midfielder Olivier Dacourt was given his first
international start after a brief appearance as a substitute on
Wednesday.
Australia was obviously intent on keeping its goal
intact for the first 45 minutes and Leboeuf probably had the
best chance when he headed a Laurent Robert free kick just wide
not long before halftime.
The Australians were far more aggressive after the interval
and Brett Emerton hit a shot narrowly wide before Zane opened
the scoring.
Lemerre brought on Nicolas Anelka and Robert Pires in the
final quarter as France searched for an equalizer and Robert
had a good chance saved by Schwarzer in the final five minutes.
The French coach said he was disappointed with the result
and rejected suggestions he had not taken the game seriously.
"I have to say Australia played intelligently in three
simple ways -- they had desire, respect and commitment.
"They played a simple but efficient game. They were maybe
less creative but they are a good team," he said.
Zane said Australia realized they had not played the "real"
France. "Before the match I was in awe of them. I would hate to
play them when they were full strength."
Farina warned his side not to get carried away ahead of
2002 World Cup qualifiers in June.
"It's nice but what's more important is the qualifying
round for the World Cup. To beat the world's best team is great
but if you don't qualify for the World Cup it doesn't mean
anything."
|
|
|
|
|
|
