Aussie pride maintained.....but three old fellas crocked already!

Australia drew 1-1 with Korea in it's crucial Asian Cup Qualifier last night.

A strong performance from the Australia team, particularly at times in the final third showed enough to suggest that the triumverate of Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and the mobile Brett Holman could see them yet into the final.

It won't be easy but if Korea with their mobility, skill, and youth couldn't see off the Aussies - you wonder who can.

The loss of Luke Wilkshire, David Carney and Jason Culina, if confirmed will be a massive blow in this tournament.

But will allow the further development of players so crucial to the next set of World Cup Qualifiers.

Harry Kewell was superb, Tim Cahill did what he does and Brett Holman assisted with his energy and intelligent runs.

So many Socceroo fans have written Holman off - not me, never.

Sasa Ognenovski was passable, good in parts, but agricultural at times. Lucas Neill has another great game, Carney and Wilkshire important throughout.

Of course Mark Schwarzer saved the day, once more, but Australia also had enough chances to win.

Mile Jedinak had his best game in the green and gold capping it with a fine goal. He still gives the ball away to easily, but this was still his best game!

Overall as good as a performance as one could expect. Full of grit and determination, and skill and energy at appropriate times.

Korea were the more inventive, slightly. Threatened more, but Australia posed many many problems for the Korea side.

A betting man would look for Korea to improve more.

But the front three could do the trick for Australia, and it will take a couple of new players to rise above the mediocre if Australia are to improve on tonights result.

Can Matt McKay step up? Is Jade North ready to play to his full potential? Can Carl Valeri and Mile Jedinak really take us to Asian Cup glory.

A good performance from Australia, our best under Osiek - but still not good enough to win, not good enough to dominate.

It could be harder still with a stretched squad - can the ageing legs go seven games.

After last nights walking wounded, you'd think not!