Sutherland Shire product Alex Gersbach celebrated his first start for the Socceroos by earning Australia’s penalty in their 1-1 draw with Cameroon at the Confederations Cup.
Gersbach played the full 90 minutes as Australia came from behind through a Mark Milligan penalty in Saint Petersburg.
The 20-year-old said after the match on Thursday morning (AEST) he was happy to get a start.
“That was my first full game for the Socceroos and it was really good to get 90 minutes into my legs and looking forward to the next game,” he said.
“It was a pretty tough match and it was pretty disappointing we gave that goal away just before half time. We lost a bit of concentration for a minute or so but it was good to get that goal back in the second half.
“Obviously we would've liked to have won here tonight but we'll give Chile a good game on Monday. I was struggling a bit towards the end so I can imagine that the boys that played a couple of days ago what they were like but I don't think we can complain about having one less rest day.”
Australia’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals is now out of their hands. The Socceroos take on South American powerhouse Chile in Moscow on Monday (AEST).