FIFA World Cup 2010: Did Luke Wilkshire's Miss Cost Australia Qualifying Chance?
After receiving an absolute thrashing from the Germans in their opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Australia faced a talented Ghanaian outfit. It was simple; win or face a seemingly impossible chance of qualifying to the last 16.
The Australians performed horridly against a strong German side, who were high in confidence. Pim Verbeek's men were beaten in all aspects of the game and never looked like threatening the German goal. As well as losing 4-0 the Socceroos received a further blow when midfield maestro Tim Cahill was suspended due to a dubious refereeing decision.
The horror performance ensured Australia needed nothing short then sensational against the doughty Black Stars. Fortunately, things were going to plan for Pim Verbeek. His men started glowingly, looking lively and threatening. The deadlock was soon broken by the Aussies in the 11th minute when midfielder Brett Holman pounced on a keeping error.
Looking in good nick and beginning to restore confidence in their fans, the Aussies look to have a stranglehold on the African opponents before disaster struck in the 25th minute. A defensive lapse allowed Ghana's Jonathon Mensah to have a clear shot on goal on the edge of the six yard box. Mesah's shot was hit powerfully into the goalmouth but was stopped short by the presence of striker Harry Kewell.
The ball appeared to strike Kewell on the shoulder, but despite the protest Italian referee Roberto Rosetti had no hesitation in showing the 32-year-old a straight red. To add salt to the Australian wounds, Ghana were also awarded a penalty, which was coolly slotted home for the equalizer by striker Asamoah Gyan.
Faced with the daunting challenge of somehow keeping the ferocious Black Stars at bay as well as trying to find a winner, the Australians showed tremendous fight, keeping the Ghanaians scoreless for the remainder of the match. Sadly, the Socceroos were unable to find the back of the net too.
But the gallant Aussies had their chances, one in particular. In the 71st minute, an impressive cross was sent in towards giant forward Josh Kennedy just inside the box. After being headed down by "Jesus," the ball fell to Scott Chipperfield, he then played a scintillating pass to defender Luke Wilkshire, who found himself one on one with the goal six yards out.
It was a perfect opportunity for Australia to snatch the game. However, instead of blasting it either side of the oncoming Richard Kingson, or attempting to go over the Ghanaian keeper, the 28-year-old frailly passed the ball straight into the patch of Kingson.
Kennedy then attempted to volley the rebound home but the chance had already disintegrated.
Had Wilkshire taken the chance, it was certain Australia would of had enough momentum to see the game home and take a much deserved three points. However it was not to be and now Australia face an unlikely challenge of progressing into the final 16.
Although Wilkshire did defend solidly and has been a strong presence in this ageing Australian side, he has failed to score in a much needed situation has surely condemned the Australians to a disappointing World Cup.
