Loading...

Taggart scores in Socceroos win

Thumbnail

Newcastle Jets striker Adam Taggart scored in the Socceroos’ 2-0 training game win over Parana Clube in Brazil overnight.

Newcastle Jets striker Adam Taggart scored in the Socceroos’ 2-0 training game win over Parana Clube at the Australian national team’s training base in Vitoria, Brazil overnight.

First half goals to Oliver Bozanic and Taggart were enough to clinch the win against the Brazilian second division outfit at the Arena Unimed Sicoo.

The Socceroos now look to Croatia this Friday (Sat, 9am AEST) in Salvador in their final hit-out on Brazilian soil before the World Cup kicks off for them on June 13 against Chile.

With Luke Wilkshire as captain, Australia-s structure looked good early and it was no surprise when the Socceroos took the lead against Parana.

Dario Vidosic with the assist down the left for the Swiss-based Bozanic to open the scoring early in the first half.

Both teams soon took a drinks break in the hot conditions but the Australians didn-t relent after the restart.

Galekovic was called into action from a set piece before the Socceroo skipper set up Taggart brilliantly for the Jets striker – and birthday boy – to finish from inside the box to double the advantage around the half hour mark.

With both Aussie full backs pushing forward constantly, the Socceroos were dominating as they went into the main break 2-0 up.

The second half resumed with James Troisi on for his Victory team-mate Tom Rogic.

Troisi was soon in action forcing a save low down to the left by the Parana keeper on 54 minutes.

A reshuffle in the Socceroos- structure saw Matt McKay move into midfield and Bozanic go to left back as the Aussies continued to push for a third.

Two long-range efforts by Parana failed to threaten Galekovic-s goal as the game moved into the final 20 minutes.

Troisi was again threatening with a neat one-two on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked as the game began to open up.

Massimo Luongo had a low shot saved and shortly after midfielder James Holland came on for the hard-working Vidosic as the game entered its final 10 minutes.

Troisi again with good lead up play almost put through the dangerous Taggart in the shadows of full-time, but a third goal wasn’t to be.

The line up for the Socceroos:

Galekovic, Wilkshire, McGowan, Wright, McKay, Bozanic, Luongo, Vidosic (Holland), Halloran, Rogic (Troisi), Taggart

The Socceroos play Croatia in a friendly on Friday night (kick off 9am AEST time Saturday morning live on Fox Sports) ahead of their tournament opener against Chile on June 13.