Soc: Australia hold on for draw against Tunisia

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2004
Soc: Australia hold on for draw against Tunisia

The Olyroos have managed more in a match than the previous model did during the entire
2000 Olympics, registering a hard fought 1-1 draw against fast finishing Tunisia.

Australia has hung on grimly in the opening round pool match in Crete, earning a point
and keeping its hopes alive of a quarterfinal showing.

The 2000 Australian team failed to register a point in a disappointing Games.

But in today's game, a goal to JOHN ALOISI on the stroke of halftime gave Australia
a 1-0 lead at the break in what was a composed 45 minutes of football for the oft-criticised
side.

The teams had looked set to go into the halftime all square but some brilliant work
by forward AHMAD ELRICH set up the goal.

But possession dried up for the Australians in the second half with Tunisian midfielder
MEJDI TRAOUI managing to clip the ball in front of the goal and striker ALI ZITOUNI pouncing
ruthlessly to lock the match up at 1-1.

AAP RTV gc/sp/lma

KEYWORD: OLY SOC AUST (ATHENS)

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