Australia defeats Republic of Korea in first of three friendly games

(BEIJING, July 22) -- Australia beat the Republic of Korea 4-1 on Saturday in game one of a three-game test series in Cairns, Australia. Both teams are preparing for the Olympic Games, which start in just 17 days.

The Australians dominated play from the start but were unable to score until the 22nd minute, when Grant Schubert scored off nifty passing from teammates Eli Matheson and Jamie Dwyer. Des Abbott scored the second goal of the match for the Australians just a few minutes later. The ROK managed to get on the scoreboard a few seconds before halftime, capitalizing on a lapse of concentration from the otherwise steady Australians.

The second half started evenly, but goals in the 52nd and 55th minute by Kiel Brown and Schubert sealed the deal for the Australians.

"We really set the tempo in the opening 15 minutes," said Dwyer after the game, "however we didn't take our chances and make the most of our opportunities. We continued to apply pressure and in the end it paid off as our relentlessness in the forward half was impressive.

The second friendly game will take place on Monday, July 21, and the last will be held on Wednesday, July 23.