| Jones blunder on his debut hands victory to Uruguay
An embarrassing blunder by debutant Australia goalkeeper Brad Jones handed Uruguay a 2-1 win in a lively friendly international on Saturday.
Striker Alvaro Recoba headed the ball into an empty net 13 minutes from time, earning Uruguay a small measure of revenge for their dramatic defeat on penalties by the Socceroos in a World Cup playoff match at the Olympic Stadium in 2005.
Australia took an early lead through midfielder Mile Sterjovski and dominated possession before Uruguay striker Diego Forlan equalised for the visitors just before halftime, tapping in a pinpoint cross from Recoba.
A rare home loss was a blow to Australia's preparations for next month's Asian Cup, but coach Graham Arnold praised his inexperienced team.
"It was a very good performance but just the result leaves a bit of a sour taste," Arnold told reporters. "I am proud of the way the young boys went and the experienced ones as well. The game showed we're heading in the right direction."
Arnold's side opened the scoring after 6 minutes when Brett Emerton whipped in a cross from the right and Sterjovski took advantage of defensive confusion to lash the ball high into the unguarded net from close range.
Uruguay struggled to create space against the Socceroos' diligent five-man midfield but they looked dangerous on the break and their captain Diego Lugano glanced a header just wide from Recoba's free kick.
The South Americans equalised 5 minutes before the interval, their 1st goal in 5 matches on Australian soil.
A long free kick found Recoba lurking in space on the right of the penalty area and the wily striker's teasing cross was turned in at the far post by Forlan.
Both sides looked happy with the draw as the 2nd half unfolded until Jones's rush of blood gifted win to the Uruguayans.
The 25 year old goalkeeper flapped wildly at a speculative high cross and Recoba gleefully stooped to head the ball into the net from 6 metres and give his team a lift for their Copa America campaign starting later this month.
"Sometimes in football you have to learn the hard way," Arnold said. "It will be a test of character for him (Jones) and he'll learn from the adversity." |