Former Sydney FC trio Alex Brosque, David Carney and Mark Milligan played integral roles in Australia’s impressive 1-1 draw with Japan in a pulsating 2014 World Cup Qualifier in Brisbane last night.
Former Sydney FC trio Alex Brosque, David Carney and Mark Milligan played integral roles in Australia-s impressive 1-1 draw with Japan in a pulsating 2014 World Cup Qualifier in Brisbane last night.
The sight of the former Sydney FC trio taking part in arguably the biggest Socceroo match since 2005 illustrated the pathway Sydney FC has offered young football players in Sydney since the advent of the Hyundai A-League.
All three are Sydney FC Championship winners and all three are now carving out strong careers overseas and in the Soccreoo squad.
Brosque and Carney put in 90 minute performances in front of a 40,000 plus crowd while Milligan was controversially shown a red card in the 50th minute – but not before playing a huge role in containing Japan-s star-studded midfield.
Milligan had quite a night; coming onto the field as a 10th minute substitute when Mark Bresciano hobbled off injured and he performed well alongside Carl Valeri is limiting the opportunities created by Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa.
His night, and Australia-s chances, was turned on its head in the 55th when Milligan was unbelievably shown a second yellow card for an innocuous challenge on the Japanese goalkeeper.
Ironically the send off gave Australia an injection of self belief and even though they went behind in the 65th minute the Qantas Socceroos soon levelled the scores through Luke Wilkshire and could easily have taken all three points.
Brosque, who has entrenched himself as one of Holger Osieck-s first players selected, was immense. His work rate was first class, especially after Milligan left the field and his pace worried the Japanese defence, which struggled to contain him and strike partner Tim Cahill.
Carney also made it consecutive 90-minute performances in the World Cup Qualifier cauldron and he put in another solid performance at left fullback.
Australia continues its World Cup Qualification away to Jordan in September.
