Culina Does No Harm To Confederation Cup Hopes

Qantas Socceroo Jason Culina has once again helped his chances of a berth in Australia’s Confederations Cup squad, with a goal in FC Twente’s 2-2 with European Champions League semi-finalist PSV Eindhoven yesterday.

Qantas Socceroo Jason Culina has once again helped his chances of a berth in Australia-s Confederations Cup squad, with a goal in FC Twente-s 2-2 with European Champions League semi-finalist PSV Eindhoven yesterday.

Culina (pictured right), who made his international debut against South Africa in February, had  FC Twente in the lead only for PSV, who are already Dutch Champions, to hit back and leave the match all square.

His goal takes his season tally to 15 and he is leading the list of Aussie goalscorers overseas.

Staying in The Netherlands, 2004 Australian Olympian striker Brett Holman continued his recent good form in front of goal for his second division side Excelsior, as he scored twice in a 2-2 away at Haarlem.

Holman twice brought his side level in the match, his second strike coming in the 88th minute.

In Belgium, Socceroos Alex Brosque and Archie Thompson both got themselves on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, Qantas Socceroo Craig Moore (suspended) missed Borussia Monchengladbach-s important 2-0 win over European hopefuls VfB Stuttgart. The win lifted them five points clear of the relegation zone, with three more games remaining, all against sides chasing spots in Europe next season.

In England, Tim Cahill was forced from the field after just 13 minutes following a tackle and Everton obviously missed the Socceroos presence going down 2-0 at Fulham.

Despite the loss, Everton is still able to hold a three point gap over Liverpool, who managed just a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. Liverpool is now three points behind its arch rival in the race for 4th spot and place in next season-s Champions League.

In good news for Australia-s Confederations Cup hopes, Qantas Socceroo Harry Kewell played a full game for Liverpool and had his moments in the match.

In the League Championship, Wigan Athletic must win its final match of the season against play-off hopefuls Reading, if its to secure a place in next season-s Premier League. Wigan could only manage a draw with Preston, while Ipswich moved level on points with Wigan with a 5-1 thrashing of Crewe.

Ipswich play relegation-threatened Brighton & Hove Albion, who helped their chances of survival with a 1-0 win over Rotherham. Ipswich inferior goal difference means they need to win and Wigan either lose or draw if they are to go up automatically instead of through the play-off-s.