WORLD CUP

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32117, 13 October 1969, Page 16

WORLD CUP

Australia 3-1 (N.Z.. Press Asm.-rCapgright) SEOUL Australia’s national' soccer team .took a tentative but convincing step towards the final 1« of. next year,’s World Cup competition in Mexico by beatL ng .. Ja^ an o’; «*■' »•>« Seoul. National Stadium on Friday night.. The Australians took charge' of the match sßrly. in .the second half, with .the skipper. J. Warren, proving the inspiration. Japan could not find an adequate answer. The teams were level,? ,1-all, after a scratchy first half, blit two goals within seven minutes early in the secorid half clinched Australia’s victory and' provided a tremendous morale booster for the. remainder of this six-match ’series.

In spite of the convincing nature of the success, the Australian team leaders Were’ far from satisfied with the' alt-round performance of the players. The team manager. Mr J. Barclay, said: "Naturally we are thrilled to be one up at this stage, but we did not produce our best form.

“It was a great result for Australia, but ,it was by no means' bur best form, and we know we can, do a lot better’in the remaining games." For Australia, T. McColl, Warren and R. Baartz scored; and for Japan, M, Watanabe.