Damien Oliver has seen death,despair,triumph and joy,been banned and derided,rehabilitated and restored. Yet through the decades,he has remained on top.
The Socceroos’ win over Peru is the ultimate vindication for Graham Arnold,who kept the faith in his players despite mounting criticism of him and his methods.
Graham Arnold’s gamble to bring in Andrew Redmayne for the penalty shootout paid off handsomely when the Sydney FC stopper produced the crucial save for Australia.
Andrew Redmayne was the hero of the hour for saving the penalty - his sole contribution in a shootout cameo - but young defender Kye Rowles really took the eye as Australia advanced to another World Cup.
If the Socceroos are taken to a World Cup qualifier shootout against another South American opponent,this time Peru,in the early hours of Tuesday morning,then they will be as prepared as possible.
Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith has spoken out after footage emerged of him with an illicit substance,while Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL needs to drastically tighten its illicit drugs policy.
The Socceroos face Peru for a place in the World Cup finals. What have they learned from their victory over the UAE on Wednesday?
An Ajdin Hrustic thunderbolt six minutes from time gave Australia a 2-1 win over the UAE to put them into the final World Cup qualifier against Peru next week.
Australia were once the big beasts of Asian soccer,feared by regional rivals. Now they are scrambling to qualify for the World Cup.
American Devin Haney fought a smart fight to outbox Australian George Kambosos to unite all four lightweight world title belts in a unanimous decision.