As many teams have found out in the past, Australia doesn't really play football "friendlies". Especially when they have something to prove, and after their 4-0 mauling at the hands of Germany in last year's World Cup, there was plenty of motivation for Australia in Dortmund. Despite German coach Joachim Low making a raft of changes to his side following their 4-0 win over Kazakhstan at the weekend, the German side dominated the first half. Australia were probably fortunate to only be down by one at the half, with Mario Gomez's 26th minute the only score of the half. Australia, not for the first time, had more of their opponent's ankles than they did of the ball, to the ire of Low.
No doubt his mood was not improved after Wilkshire was first allowed to stay on the park after a crunching tackle, and then followed it up by slotting the penalty that gave the Aussies the lead. The penalty, for a foul on Harry Kewell, came only four minutes after David Carney had equalised for the visitors. Germany responded with quick substitutions to try and get back into the match, but even the presence on the park of Klose, joining Podolski and Muller, couldn't get them the goal they craved, and Australia had their first ever win over Germany. Small consolation for three World Cup defeats perhaps (Australia lost to West and East in 1974), but Australia's German coach Holger Osieck will be pleased enough.
Elsewhere in the friendlies, Italy won 2-0 over Ukraine, portugal won by the same margin over Finland, and Ghana scored at the death to share a 1-1 draw with England. In a surprisingly attacking and entertaining match, both sides had numerous chances to score. Andy Carroll had little impact on the game, but managed to put England ahead just before half time, and that will be remembered for longer than his otherwise misfiring performance. Just when England thought they had done enough, Asamoah Gyan finally scored a goal that Ghana certainly deserved, sending his teammates and fans into raptures.
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