Holger Osieck has started his time in charge of the Australian national team with a 0-0 draw with Switzerland in St Gallen. Interntaional friendlySwitzerland: 0 Australia: 0
Venue: AFG Arena, St Gallen Crowd: approx. 14,000 Referee: Thomas Einwaller (AUT)
In a mainly defensive contest, neither side were able to break down the opposition defence although Socceroos striker Scott McDonal came agonisingly close four minutes before half-time. The Middlesbrough man is still yet to score in 17 international appearances.
Mark Schwarzer made a number of top draw saves for the visitors as Switzerland pushed forward during the second term and they were unlucky not to go ahead in the 60th minute when awarded a penalty. Captaiin Alexander Frei stepped up to the spot but lifted his spot kick over the bar in what was a massive let off for the Australians.
The Socceroos had another good chance in the 83rd minute but substitute Dario Vidosic spurned the opportunity and the game ended scoreless.
Starting Line-Ups
SUI Marco Wolfli (gk), Stephan Lichtsteiner, Francois Affolter, Stephan Grichting, Gelson Fernandes, David Degen, Gokhan Inler, Xavier Margairaz, Albert Bunjaku, Alexander Frei, Eren Derdiyok
AUS Mark Schwarzer (gk), Lucas Neill, David Carney, Tim Cahill, Jason Culina, Matthew Spiranovic, Brett Emerton, Luke Wilkshire, Brett Holman, Carl Valeri, Scott McDonald