successful World Cup campaign. Undefeated after two games, no goals conceded, and the selection options growing by the day. No wonder Pim Verbeek, having shaken off a stomach bug, couldn't stop smiling after the game.
The Great Wall of China - in the form of a team without a striker - did its job. Skipper Lucas Neill seemed reluctant to describe the 0-0 draw as heroic, but there was plenty of spine in this display. All the odds were stacked against the Socceroos - losing Archie Thompson after just three minutes summed up the week from hell - but they didn't flinch. Mark Schwarzer's last-gasp penalty save might have been crucial, but in truth it simply ensured justice was done.
All coaches love it when they gamble and win. Verbeek made one of the biggest gambles of his career, and it paid off. No genuine striker, no one to hold up the ball. Neill admitted it was a strange feeling to be in possession, look up and see no one at the other end. As it happened, the long ball out from the back was a poor option given the way the ball picked up speed in the altitude. Instead Australia played to feet, in neat triangles, and Mark Bresciano, Jason Culina and Thompson's replacement, Brett Holman, did wonderfully well in making time and space to receive the ball. In fact, there wasn't a bad player for Australia, and some were better than good. Holman seized his chance superbly, and his tendency to play more central
than Thompson ended up suiting the cause.
Holman's international career has yet to get going, and he was disappointed not to start. But opportunity knocks unexpectedly, and before the game got going, he was off the bench.
"It was unfortunate for Archie, but I was happy to get my chance so early," Holman said later. "I wanted to prove something to the new coach, that maybe I might be worth a starting spot in the next game. I was happy with my performance."
Holman was one of four players not involved in last month's opening qualifier against Qatar who got a chance in Kunming. All advanced their claims, perhaps none more than Jade North. The Newcastle Jets skipper was on the bench against Qatar, but on that occasion Verbeek ignored him when Craig Moore wanted to come off. Instead he asked Brett Emerton to see out the game as a centre half. But after this effort, Verbeek might not be so dismissive. Neill later claimed the Socceroos had unearthed another "gem", but North has been there all along. And while Verbeek's uncomplimentary view on A-League players is well known, there's little doubt he's starting to soften his stance.
