Olyroos 0 lost to Wollongong Wolves 1 At Brandon Park, Wollongong, in a fundraiser for Wollongong flood victims.
Matt Horsley scored with a header in a crowded goal box two thirds through the first half.
The Olyroos had dominated the first 20 minutes. Lapsed a little. Then cranked it up immediately after Wolves' goal only to see Emerton miss a sitter with his head at the other end.
Most of the few shots on goal came in the first half. Second half dull enough for the disappointing crowd to disappointedly start jeering.
Highlights were Emerton showing how bloody good he is. Emerton pulling shirts. And Emerton showing how bloody good he is.
Wolves' Sebastian Sinozic started for the Olyroos. For my money the other outstanding 'Roo. For the benefit of the local crowd he was joined by two other Wolves players in the second half: Noel Spencer and (please Lord) Kosta Salapasidis.
Sebastian made his defending look easy. The Wolves forwards had no hope against him.
But it was just an exhibition game. Good to have a look at the new Wolves players and see if the old ones still had it in them. Michael Brooks was very, let's say, "enthusiastic". He's my bet for the Wolves player with most yellow cards at the end of the season. Seemed to fit in okay. Could have done with a yard's extra pace against these smart young things.
Sasha Petrovski didn't impress me much when I saw him with Parramatta and he was even less illuminating against the Olyroos.
Les Pogliacomi had only one decent save to make. Seemed confident. In command of his area.
Of the old guys, George Souris defended well. Surj had a few good touches. Matty was his usual busy self. Got around the defence a few times to get his crosses in. Alvin Ceccoli pushed forward a few times. Had one decent shot. David Huxley was back after ruining himself against Marconi last year. Wasn't as impressive as his former self. Hope he gets it back again. Sasho Dimoski seemed sound.
Who cares about the mob in yellow! Grella did his share of pushing and shoving. Colosimo, Burns, Care et. al. really just cruising. Emerton seemed to be working at it, though.
Jason Culina seemed to be walking okay. Good sign for Olympic? fans.
That bloody traitor Tony Perinich was wandering around. See he's scoring regularly for the Northern Toffs now.
Kosta was interviewed after the game. Everyone expecting him to announce he's coming back to Wolves from Adelaide City. But it was just the same old story. Adelaide was asking for too much. Just being a pain, he said.
Wolves are playing Sydney United on Saturday, I think. See you there.
Oh, by the way, add me to the Wolves supporters (does it count if you have multiple entries from the one family?)