Aussies Squeak Past Kiwi Part-timers

Adelaide United made hard work of downing part-timers Waitakere United in the opening game of the opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup last night. Despite looking the better team for most of the game, they had to come from 0-1 down to earn a semi-final berth against ACL champions Gamba Osaka.

The antipodean derby lived up to expectations as the Kiwi's battled to stay in the game in the opening half. Determination and courage saw them deny their more technical Aussie opponents with some desperate, but effective defending, After a bright start, Adelaide found themselves a goal behind shortly after the half-hour when Paul Seaman latched onto a loose ball, after another poor showing by Adelaide keeper Galekovic, to fire home the fumbled ball. However, Adelaide were soon back on level terms when Mullen was given the freedom of Tokyo to head home from a corner five minutes later.

The second half saw the New Zealanders make a better job of competing, and they managed to hold their own much better than the desperate rearguard action of the first. However, their opponents extra experience and skill eventually told and a Travis Todd goal near the end ensured that the Aussies would get a chance to avenge their ACL final loss at he hands of Gamba.

Other views of the game:
NZ Herald "Honour in defeat for Waitakere"
ABC "Adelaide leaves it late against NZ part-timers"