Melbourne Heart FC’s Michael Beauchamp has produced a sterling performance as the Qantas Socceroos overcame Serbia 2-1 in its final group game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Melbourne Heart FC-s Michael Beauchamp has produced a sterling performance as the Qantas Socceroos overcame Serbia 2-1 in its final group game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
However, the result was not enough to propel the Green and Gold into the last 16, with Germany-s single goal win over Ghana securing passage for both sides into the knockout stages.
Starting in place of the suspended Craig Moore, Beauchamp was a pillar of stability and composure in central defence, producing a number of strong, timely challenges to deny the Serbians, despite often finding himself isolated.
His performance vindicated the decision of Manager Pim Verbeek, and bodes well for Heart heading into the Hyundai A-League 2010/11 season.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip praised Beauchamp-s stand out performance, declaring the 29-year-old acquitted himself well against the potent Serbian attack.
“Michael-s performance this morning is a promising sign for the Club, and provides evidence of his quality and ability to rise to a challenge,” van ‘t Schip said.
“It was fantastic to see Melbourne Heart FC represented on the biggest stage in world sport, the FIFA World Cup. It-s another important step for our football club.”
After withstanding periods of concerted pressure by the Serbians during the first half, the Australians broke free of their shackles following the break, emerging reinvigorated and reenergised.
And when Tim Cahill opened the scoring in the 69th minute, followed by Brett Holman-s stunning long range effort four minutes later, the door to second round appeared slightly ajar as the Germans held a slender one goal advantage over the Ghanaians.
However, Marko Pantelic-s 84th minute close range strike put pay to the Qantas Socceroos ambitions, as the side was knocked out of the FIFA World Cup on goal difference, a remnant of its devastating opening match loss to three-time World Champion Germany.
