Cahill's second-half strike ensured a draw for the visitors
|
Everton midfielder Tim Cahill earned Australia an impressive draw against Holland in Rotterdam on Sunday.
The Dutch led through Ruud van Nistelrooy's 27th goal at international level in a bad-tempered match.
But the Socceroos hit back in bizarre fashion when Cahill tapped in after Mark Viduka's penalty hit the bar, the post and keeper Edwin van der Sar.
Wesley Sneijder went off injured, while Luke Wilkshire was sent off for a foul on Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Sneijder was carried off shortly after the start of the second half with what appeared to be an ankle injury and is now a major doubt for the World Cup.
Van Bronckhorst also came off early following the challenge from Wilkshire, which earned him a deserved red card, and Philip Cocu suffered a thigh injury.
"It's like an episode of M.A.S.H.," said Holland coach Marco van Basten said. "It was some sight in the dressing room.
"But I don't regret the match because it is good to play physical football.
"Generally we played well and created a lot of chances but a match like this gets difficult when you fail to convert them."
Tempers were further frayed under the refereeing of England's Mike Dean after Cahill had cancelled out Van Nistelrooy's ninth-minute strike.
Dean was also heavily criticised by the crowd for missing a handball in the box by Vince Grella when the Dutch were leading.
"We worked hard on physical preparation and tactics and the team did very well," said Australia coach Guus Hiddink.
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~27~RS~){kind=small}
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
