Socceroos big task: beating Chile by two

THE Socceroos need to defeat world No.4 Chile by two clear goals to continue their Confederations Cup in the semi-finals after labouring to a 1-1 draw with Cameroon.

Mark Milligan’s penalty cancelled out Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s first-half finish yesterday in St Petersburg, where the Socceroos were more composed but lacked spark.

Ange Postecoglou’s side now heads to Moscow with the almighty goal of upsetting the South American champions and tournament favourites, who drew 1-1 with Germany yesterday.

The Socceroos again failed to produce a full 90-minute performance to be proud of.

While Australia “bossed” possession, Cameroon won more of the battles — and the shot count 19 to five.

Postecoglou rued a “little lapse” for Cameroon’s opener, seeing merit in the more composed showing even if they failed to fire up front.

“We worked our way into the game really well and controlled large parts [but] we lacked a little bit of composure in the final third to get some meaningful chances,” he said.

The Socceroos started more confidently than their horror show against Germany. However their ascendancy faded, leaving only Cameroon playing with the urgency that the do-or-die match required.

Impressive youngster Christian Bassogog enjoyed a couple of early shots on goal, ruthlessly exposing Milos Degenek’s lack of pace with one run.

The Socceroo defender was found wanting for the opener, when Zambo Anguissa beat him to a long ball and dinked an effort over rushing goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

The match swung again and on 57 minutes, the Socceroos rode their luck. Vincent Aboubakar sent a shot both narrowly wide and through Zambo Anguissa’s legs just a metre from goal with Ryan beaten.

The move should have put the game on Cameroon’s terms but instead, a driving run from Gersbach brought Milligan to the spot.

The 20-year-old was tackled in the box by Ernest Mabouka and the Australian skipper converted. AAP