Olyroos

[yeenar69]

QUOTE ("The Age")
Olyroos beat Jordan 4-0 in Amman
June 7, 2007 - 6:59PM

The Olyroos overcame a shaky start to romp home 4-0 over Jordan in Amman and progress to the third and final stage of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics.

The match was scoreless at halftime but the Australians completely dominated the second stanza, with a David Williams brace and further goals to Nick Ward and Dario Vidosic seeing the visitors through.

The Olyroos went into the match knowing a draw would be enough to progress to the next stage of qualifying, beginning in August.

"We started a little nervously and though we didn't create too much in the first half, we also did not give much away," Olyroos coach Rob Baan said.

"I felt that once we scored our first that we would really dominate and so it proved.

"At halftime I was able to change our tactics a little bit which worked well ... we created chances and finished them."

Saudi Arabia topped Group D on 15 points. Australia finished four points behind on 11, but it was enough to see them finish second and move on.

The third and final stage of qualifying will feature 12 Asian teams split into three groups and will be held from August 22 to November 21.

Only the three group winners qualify for the 2008 Games.

The final qualifying draw will take place next Wednesday, June 13 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Olyroos took the lead in the 54th minute when Brondby-based striker Williams finished off a neat one-two with Bruce Djite.

The lead was doubled in the 68th minute when substitute Nick Ward headed home Williams' corner.

Five minutes later, Williams beat the offside trap and slotted home to put the result beyond doubt.

In injury time, Vidosic hit a stinging right-footed shot from outside the box into the top, right corner to round out a memorable win.

© 2007 AAP