Australia-Bahrain: Socceroos Victorious In WC 2010 Qualifier

It wasn't the prettiest of FIFA 2010 World Cup Qualification victories, but as the old adage holds, "A win is a win."

After surviving Doha with a 0-0 draw against Qatar, Mile Sterjovski and David Carney scored in the second half to give Australia a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Wednesday night at Stadium Australia.

In the 55th minute, Sterjovski scored his first international in over a year for Australia by capitalizing on a defensive error inside the six-yard box by Bahraini keeper Sayed Mohamed.

A botched bicycle kick by Jason Culina in the 88th minute was salvaged off the woodwork by Carney, who tapped it home, sealing the match for the Green and Gold.

Bahrain had a chance to equalize in the 62nd minute through Jasim Al Mazood, but he was offside, to the disgust of Milan Macala's men.

But what may have worried the nearly-40,000 partisan home faithful was the poor finish and personnel issues.

Stiffness in Tim Cahill's muscles made him a liability, and Grella only came in as a substitute.

Harry Kewell, however, was mediocre in his finishing. His biggest opportunity to get on the score sheet was wasted in the 75th minute. Celtic striker Scott McDonald has yet to score a goal for the Socceroos, with his biggest opportunity in the 12th sailing over the crossbar.

Despite the need for improvement, Australia have gone 708 match minutes without giving up a goal in World Cup Qualifying (with China scoring the only goal against the Socceroos).

They currently sit at the top of the table, with five wins, two draws and no defeats (17 points) with one match to go.

Bahrain, however, were given a lifeline after the match. Qatar's 1-1 draw with Japan means that they can qualify for the AFC playoff if they earn a win or a draw against Uzbekistan in Manama.

As for football fans Down Under, they can expect a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 17 when Australia faces Japan.

And with the Roos and Blue Samurai having punched their tickets, the final match in World Cup qualification is sure to be a sneak peek at what's to come next year in South Africa for both teams.