Soloman Islands 1-5 Australia - Vidmar in Action

90 Mins & Booked
By Chris O'Brien
October 10 2004

Tony Vidmar was booked as Australia cruised to a 5-1 away victory over the Soloman Islands in the first-leg of the OFC Nations Cup final. The experienced centre-half played 90 minutes as the Socceroos all-but booked their place in the Confederations Cup.

Cardiff City's Tony Vidmar was booked as Australia hammered Soloman Islands to all-but secure victory of the OFC Nations Cup, after the first-leg win. A 5-1 win for the Socceroos away from home put the Aussies in a tremendous position ahead of Tuesday's second-leg in Sydney.

Vidmar played the entire 90 minutes at the heart of the Australian defence with his team comfortable throughout as they cruised to the emphatic scoreline. After Josip Skoko gave the visitors the lead after only five minutes, the winner was never in doubt.

Skoko scored again on 28 minutes, but not before Ante Milicic found the net. Brett Emerton made it four just before half-time, with Ahmad Elrich scoring the fifth and final goal with just over ten minutes left on the clock. Batram Suri had netted consolation for the under-dog Soloman Islands on the hour.

In the likelihood Australia secure the trophy mid-week, they will be invited to take part in the Confederations Cup, currently held by France. The competition sees the winner of each of the continental Championships do battle in a tournament that has failed to capture the imagination of the public yet.

Full Time - Soloman Islands 1-5 Australia