Brisbane Roar players have excelled on the world stage on a great day for Australian football.
In Kyrgyzstan, Roar captain Matt McKay earned his 56th cap for Australia when he came on as a 71st minute substitute for James Troisi in the Socceroos’ 2-1 win in a FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifier against the home nation.
Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak got his team off to a dream start with a goal from a freekick in the second minute.
Former Roar winger Tommy Oar came on as a substitute and sealed the point for the AFC Asian Champions with a 67th minute goal.
Oar, who left the Roar to play in Holland in 2010, skilfully tucked away his shot after a glorious ball from Mark Milligan down the left flank that pierced the Kyrgyzstan defence.
There was more glory for Australian football in Edmonton where the Matildas drew 1-1 with Sweden to advance out of the so-called “Group of Death” to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Kellond-Knight was named player of the match which continued an amazing tournament for the holding midfielder who has been among her team’s best in all three games of the group stage.
Alleway was again a tower of strength in the Matildas defence. Gorry was in the starting XI while Butt (celebrating her birthday) and Crummer also got game time against the Swedes.
Roar Head Coach John Aloisi today praised the club’s national team players.
“They have done Australia and the Roar proud,” Aloisi said.
“It is an inspiration for everyone at the Roar to see our players performing so well for the Matildas and the Socceroos on the world stage.”
The Socceroos’ next World Cup qualifier is in Perth on 3 September when they host Bangladesh who drew 1-1 at home to Tajikistan today.
The Matildas advance to a showdown against Brazil in Moncton on Monday morning (AEST).
After the match against the Swedes, Kellond-Knight said the Matildas were ready to take on the highly fancied Brazilians.
“You’ve got to beat the best teams to win this World Cup,” Kellond-Knight told SBS.
“It’s not as if we haven’t had a challenge in the [group stage already].
“Throw another one at us, we’re ready to go.”
