Aussies Abroad Wrap

Qantas Socceroo captain Mark Viduka scored on his return to Riverside Stadium, but did not receive the customary cheers of the Middlesbrough fans. Viduka’s 77th minute goal had put Newcastle United in front against his old club, in a match that eventually finished 2-2.

Qantas Socceroo captain Mark Viduka scored on his return to Riverside Stadium, but did not receive the customary cheers of the Middlesbrough fans. Viduka-s 77th minute goal had put Newcastle United in front against his old club, in a match that eventually finished 2-2.

Viduka-s goal was a gem of a debut goal for his new club, picking up a lobbed ball on his thigh with his back to goal. Getting the under control with England defender Jonathon Woodgate on his tail, Viduka turned his former team-mate and then stroked his shot past his helpless national team-mate Mark Schwarzer in the Boro goal.

Scott Chipperfield was also amongst the goalscorers, scoring twice for FC Basel in a 4-2 win at Lucerne in Switzerland. Chipperfield scored twice in the space of eight minutes in the second half to settle the match in Basel-s favour.

Meanwhile, the weekend saw the Italian and Spanish leagues kick off with a host of Australian and Argentinean players in the mix. Australia meets Argentina on Tuesday 11 September at the MCG.

Vince Grella, who confirmed his availability for the match last week, didn-t see much game time for his new club Torino, lasting just 22 minutes in the 2-2. His good mate Mark Bresciano, came on at half time, as Palermo lost 2-0 at home against Roma.

Back in England, Lucas Neill recovered from his injury to play for West Ham, as they drew 1-1 with Wigan Athletic. Josip Skoko however did not feature in the Wigan squad. Brett Emerton played another full game, as Blackburn Rovers drew 1-1 away at Everton, who were obviously minus the injured Tim Cahill. Patrick Kisnorbo played a full game, as Leicester City won 4-1.

In Scotland, Scott McDonald had his first start for Celtic, as they cruised to a 5-0 win over Hearts. McDonald was replaced in the 87th minute.

Michael Beauchamp and Josh Kennedy both started for FC Nurnberg, as they lost 1-0 at home against Werder Bremen. Beauchamp played a full game, while Kennedy in his first start for Nurnberg played for an hour and was substituted. Qantas Under 23 defender Matt Spiranovic was on the bench.

In Holland, Qantas Socceroo team-mates Jason Culina and Brett Holman came up against one another, with Culina a 66th minute substitute and his PSV team winning 5-0 against Holman-s NEC Nijmegen. Meanwhile Luke Wilkshire was denied a late winner as FC Twente drew 2-2 with FC Utrecht.

Nick Carle continues to enjoy good game time at his Turkish club Genclerbirligi, but was again on the wrong end of the scoreline with his team going down 3-1 at home against Buraspor.

The squad for the match against Argentina will be named on Tuesday August 28.