Australia down Greece with late Leckie goal

Newly-married Mathew Leckie scored with the last kick of the game to give Australia a 1-0 win over Greece in Sydney yesterday.
The Socceroos dominated the friendly but could not convert that into goals before German-based substitute Leckie scored only his third goal in his 30th international deep into stoppage time. Tim Cahill had a goal disallowed only minutes before when a corner was deemed to be crossed the line before the veteran Socceroo headed home and set off on a celebratory run, waving his shirt above his head.
It was only what the Australians deserved having dominated possession and chances against a Greek team, which missed out qualifying for this month’s Euro 2016 in France.
“There is a lot of talk that I don’t score enough as a forward and I always try and keep it out of my mind and I would like to score more for the national team,” said Leckie, who got married this week.
“Lucky enough that I got one today and hopefully I can start a bit of momentum with goals.”
Greece, who play Australia again in Melbourne on Tuesday, have an injury worry with their first-choice goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, who was taken to hospital for X-rays for possible broken ribs after a first half collision that forced him from the field.
Karnezis came off worse after a heavy collision with Australia captain Mile Jedinak going for a high corner midway through the opening half, and was subsequently replaced by Stefanos Kapino.
FC Tokyo striker Nathan Burns squandered a great chance when he fired wide in a one-on-one with the keeper, and replacement goalkeeper Kapino had to scramble to tip over a sliced clearance shortly afterwards.
Bayer Leverkusen attacker Robbie Kruse had a good penalty shout when he was brought down by Giannis Maniatis.  Kapino denied Mark Milligan’s rasping drive with a flying one-handed save as the Socceroos pressed for a goal just before halftime.
China-based Apostolos Giannou, who switched allegiances from Greece to play for Australia, missed another great chance shortly after half-time but was ruled off-side.