The simple answer is yes. What makes Australia's group intriguing is the dominance of Brazil in it and the expectation they will win all three group games and win them easily. On the negative side that eliminates one spot available to qualify for the next phase, but on the positive, it means that as little as two draws can qualify the team. If Australia, Japan and Croatia each return the same result against each other (ie: a draw) then the match against Brazil and the goal difference incurred there will become the deciding factor.
Even better, the so-called disaster that many are proclaiming will result if Australia loses to Japan is almost bunk. If that happens, all that would be required to qualify is to beat Croatia in the final game. Because it's the final game, they would actually know exactly the type of victory required. If Australia can snatch a draw against Brazil, then any sort of win against Croatia will do.
The only condition on this "Brazil wins all" scenario is that Croatia do beat Japan. If Japan beat both Australia and Croatia, they virtually sew-up second spot even before their final match, that against Brazil.
It goes without saying that a win over Japan and a draw against Brazil will virtually sew-up a spot for Australia.
The wild card is if Brazil do not perform. As implausible as it sounds, lets not forget France failed to score a goal, lost their opening and final games respectively against Senagal and Denmark, and were eliminated in the first round at the last World Cup. They were a team that, on paper, were much superior to their World Cup winning team of four years prior. If Brazil concede points to Croatia in that game, not only does it put Croatia in the box set to qualify, but will sharpen up Brazil's resolve for their match against Australia.
The ideal scenario is that Brazil thump Croatia in the first game and obviously Australia win theirs. If we look back to tournaments like the Confederations Cup in 2001 and 1997, Australia has a good record of backing up in monster second round group matches after overcoming more moderate opposition. On both those occasions they beat Mexico in the first match and then returned a draw against Brazil and a win over the France in the second round robin matches, respectively.
The other question is of whether Australia is good enough. Despite Japan holding an excellent record in recent games, they were mitigating circumstances for those. Both occasions were in Japan, with the 2001 Confed Cup in driving rain and the Asia-Oceania challenge with a weakened team. In Australia, there was a 3-0 loss with very weak home-based team in 1998. A more reliable indicator can be drawn from those Confederations Cup results and recent performances against other international teams.
Suffice to say that Australia's build-up has looked more impressive than Japan's. Japan has drawn with Germany 2-2 and beaten Malta 1-0 in their last two games, while also losing 1-0 to Bulgaria on home soil before leaving for Germany.
For Croatia, a 2-2 draw against Iran and narrow losses to Poland and Spain don't say too much. Although, they did beat Argentina and drew with Brazil in home friendlies late last year.
It's arguable that you could apportion Croatia a 55% chance over Australia and maybe Australia a 55% chance over Japan with Croatia a slightly higher favourite over Japan. But in reality, the nature of the sport would dictate those as 50/50 contests in one off games. Those are dream odds as much as Australia could ever imagine. Ultimately, it will come down to those "moments" in the game. May they benefit Australia and leave all others in despair.
Outside Australia, my favourite team has always been Holland. Not just because I love orange, but the way they play and also that winning a World Cup is long overdue for them. They've made two finals - and really should have won the 1974 World Cup against West Germany - but have just not quite taken the chances.
With Australia in this tournament, the most curious factor has been the almost total lack of interest in all the other teams, including Holland. Normally I have all the groups automatically memorised and noted paths and future match-ups. It wasn't until recently that I even realised that Holland was in a group with Argentina - one of the other teams I've followed in the past (mostly because I hate them). In fact, Holland are in the famed "group of death" along with Serbia & Montenegro and Ivory Coast.
As usual, the critical aspect to World Cup predictions is the draw. We've seen in recent years of Turkey and Croatia finishing third - mostly due to comfortable draws. Even the finalists four years ago had the softest draw ever, with Germany scraping past Paraguay 1-0 and then lucky to beat the USA in the quarter finals after being played off the pitch. Korea, with a total of four days less rest leading up to the game, even had moments against them in the semis, but were confronted with goal-keeper Oliver Kahn in miraculous form. Then, just minutes after being denied a great goal scoring chance by a professional foul, suffered a goal up the other end. Brazil, in Turkey's group with the lowly China and Costa Rica, were lucky to get past Belgium in the first knockout game when a Belgian goal was bizarrely disallowed. Then England capitulated in the quarters with that memorable lofted free kick of Ronaldinho catching Seaman off his line before scrapping past Turkey 1-0 in the semi final. No wonder they produced a totally forgettable final.
The draw is much like a tennis draw and split down the middle to form a "tree", with teams remaining in their halves. The only exception is for the semi finals, whereby matches are switched across the halves to ensure teams from the same group are kept apart for as long as possible. This is new for this World Cup whereby traditionally teams from the one group would not cross halves and eventually re-meet in the semi finals (as Brazil and Turkey did last time and Brazil and Sweden in 1994).
Looking at Australia's group of Group F, they would be scheduled to meet either Italy, Czech Republic, USA or Ghana from Group E. Italy and the Czechs would be huge favourites there - and even if the USA or Ghana (not that Australia typically play well against African teams) could finish second, Australia would need to win their group to face the second placed team there. From there, it actually gets relatively easy with France, Spain and the Ukraine the strong teams from Groups G & H. As we all know, Spain are never the team they should be at world level and France is no super-team any more. If Australia were to progress to the quarters, most likely they would meet France, who as likely winners of Group G (other teams Swiss, Korea, Togo) would be playing the second placed team from H (Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia) in their first knockout game.
From there it could be Germany in the semi finals as winner of A or England if they finish second in B. The other chance is a team from group C or D, but most likely group C given the weak nature of D (Mexico, Angola, Portugal, Iran). That would be Holland or Argentina. The best hope for an easier team is Sweden beating Germany in the first knockout game and then either in Argentina or Holland after that.
With that scenario, you can see the "left" side of the draw is the loaded side. There'll be four top teams converging on the quarter finals: Germany, England, either Holland or Argentina, not to mention Portugal too. Then after that, because of the cross-over of halves, it's France or Italy (or Australia) in the semi final. For a team like England, regardless of their group placing, they're on target for either Holland or Argentina in the quarters. Of course, finishing first ensures they finish the second team from Germany's group A (Poland, Costa Rica, Ecuador).
There's no doubt the other side of the draw is favoured with Brazil seemingly having a dream run in comparison. Their first match is the second team from Group E (probably Czechs) and then onto Group H winners (probably Spain coming through either Swiss, Korea or Togo). The danger teams of Italy and France are separated and are set to clash in a quarter final before being flicked to the other side of the draw. If England can keep winning, they will be Brazil's opponents in the semi final.
The Czechs are the wildcard. On their day they can destroy anyone. I just wonder, though, whether they have the fortitude to take out successive powerhouses. Their best bet would be to win the group and avoid Brazil, before taking on France in the quarter final.
If they can manage that, they'll see themselves in the other semi final against either Germany, Holland or Argentina.
While all these matches above still seem tough, even for Brazil, who make all teams seem weak on paper, the important thing to remember that there are always upsets in the World Cup and it is the the right side of the draw that has the most scope for this. Brazil could quite easily face a path of USA, Switzerland and England on their way to the final. Whereas a team like Germany or England is virtually guaranteed to face a major obstacle at the quarter final stage.
Considering my main hope is a new team winning, sadly things do point to Brazil taking it all. Ironically, the best chance to stop them might be at the group stage. It would only take one loss, too, if three of the teams finished on 6 points and goal difference came into play. Now that would be something to see.
For a surprise team, I'll suggest Ukraine from Group H. They're virtual certainties to finish top two, and from there would take on France and then Italy or the runner-up from Australia's group. But if they can win their group (a good chance with Spain being the other main team), it's onto either Switzerland, Korea or Togo, before a match against Brazil. With supreme striker Andriy Shevchenko on their side, it'll only take an opportunistic strike or two to do some real damage. Having played so many years as one of the very best strikers in Italy's league, he'll be wise to taking on the Italians should that match eventuate, or put a shiver down the spine of Brazil in that scenario.
So many teams do have a chance. We saw with Greece winning Euro 2004 how a team can rise to the challenge, have a bit of a luck, and take it all. First, I'm going to say England will reach the final. They do have their best side for ages and have great revenge motivation for facing teams like Argentina and Brazil along the way. Also, it's simply time. History shows that teams don't often succeed in successive Cups.
From there, their run will end. For their opponent in the final I will stick with the Dutch. Sure they are in a tough group, but if there's one decent scenario out of that tough side of the draw, it is for the winner of Group C. That winner will most likely face Mexico in the first knockout game and then onto Germany. After that it's a semi final mostly against France or Italy - easily within their range. Group C maybe the "group of death", but winning it provides the greatest amount of life.
Winner: Netherlands
Second: England
Third: Italy
Outsider: Ukraine
Gee, and I thought the Uruguay game was good, were the words muttered to a friend when he rang after what must be the most exhilarating and explosive finish to any football game in Australian history.
Of course, this was a totally different experience. Whereas the Uruguay game was knife-edge stuff for the entire 120 minutes right until that final kick in the penalty shootout, this game transpired mainly in hope that Australia could at least get a draw. When the goal came, there was little chance to settle and regain composure. As I was thinking "ok, great, lets just not succeed", bang! "Well ok, lets make sure we win this thing". Bang! "Well, ok!". I was just laughing at this stage in disbelief. Truly an amazing few moments. Moments that you just could not absorb because they changed so rapidly. Almost 24 hours later, I, like probably most of the country, are still in shock.
Obviously we couldn't have such experiences without Australia conceding a goal. Not just any goal either. One that was patently a foul on goal-keeper Mark Schwarzer. Thinking back to crucial games like the Sydney Olympics trilogy of terrors and World Cup qualifiers against Iran, Argentina and Israel, it was almost surreal in that this is the Australian way to lose games like this. It certainly provided that feeling at the time. The fact the team could overcome such a scenario just made it that extra bit special.
Make no mistake too, Schwarzer was fouled. A player must be going for the ball otherwise any sort of collision will be called obstruction. Then there was the double-whammy of the second Japanese player barging Schwarzer over with his elbow. The referee later admitted to Schwarzer that he made a mistake and apologised, but that's cold comfort for something that changes the entire context of the match.
Despite the refereeing error, Schwarzer probably lacked vigour in coming out for the cross, and could quite easily have knocked those Japanese players flat if he really tried. It just seemed a non-committed effort.
Until then Australia, after surviving the opening few minutes of nerves, had much of the possession and the chances. In truth, they should have led after 7 minutes when Viduka's angled shot bobbled up nicely for him but all he could do was hit the rebound straight to the goalie still on his knees from the original save. Then on 25 minutes, a lovely back-heal by Viduka into the path of Marco Bresciano could only see his shot hit too close to the goalie and not hard enough. He may have even had the chance to take an extra dribble to really make sure, rather than just shoot from the edge of the box. A minute later, Japan scored.
From here a golden period for Australia. Kewell almost scored straight off the restart, but it went just over the bar. It would have been a perfect "Take that! That's what I think of your refereeing decision" response. Bresciano had a free kick go just wide. The the best moment, however, was a sequence of 20 to 30 Australian passes that had Japan pinned in their penalty box for seemingly eternity. It deserved a finale - which had it received, would have been a goal for the ages - but unfortunately finished with Kewell losing possession trying to make room for himself to cross the ball.
Speaking of Kewell, he played the entire game, much to the surprise of most. No doubt Hiddink's continued assurances that he'll be coming off the bench was just a ploy. It wasn't the classic Kewell of old, but he did do some nice things early on. Mostly his value came as a magnet to Japanese defenders, who were often double-teaming him. It made it difficult for him to get passes off in his role playing centrally just behind Viduka. Viduka had his usualy similar duties, too, trying to get players running off him, and proved outstanding in the first half. By the second half, however, his proved less effective as the Japanese pressure started taking its toll.
It was an unusual role for Kewell, but was probably forced by the decision to play Wilkshire on the left and open to space while also the desire to get match fitness into the player. Once Hiddink rung the changes not long into the second half, Kewell moved out to the left to leave the strikers to play through the middle.
On 53 minutes, Tim Cahill was first on replacing Bresciano, followed by Josh Kennedy on the hour mark for Craig Moore, and finally Aloisi for Wilkshire on 75 minutes. Kennedy's presence really turned the game, proving a constant menace winning headers and linking with the other strikers. He got the initial flick on for the first goal, the initial knock down for the second, and set up the final goal with a nice flick over the head and dribble. His selection in the squad has already proved a hugely inspired decision.
Of course, it was not all Australia's way. Taking off Craig Moore meant there was only one specialist defender left on the ground in Lucas Neill, which naturally opened up plenty of space, allowing Japan several good chances. The most dangerous of which came just after the substitution when Chipperfield was stripped of possession on the edge of his own half and creating a 2-on-1 scenario. Thankfully Takahara's cross was played just behind the unmarked Yanagisawa and he could only manage a tame shot into Schwarzer's hands. At 2-0 down, that would have been very difficult to retrieve.
Moments after Cahill scored, he could have proved the villain when he conceded what seemed an obvious penalty. Maybe it was a square-up by the referee for the Japanese goal. Not that the Japanese were protesting about the decision anyway. Very confusing all-round. For whatever reason it was no foul, it proved a great relief.
The final Japanese chance fell to Fukunishi, who fired just wide from just outside the box after receiving the ball in plenty of space.
Tim Cahill's heroics earned him man of the match honours, but I can't help feel that Lucas Neill deserved the honour. He read everything at the back and was largely responsible for keeping Australia in the game. Emerton, shunted into central defence, also played well in this uncustomary position.
It'll be interesting to see what Hiddink does for the game against Brazil on Sunday night. Playing with just one specialist defender and allowing so much space won't cut it. Try as he might as playing Emerton and Chipperfield as specialists, quite simply they are not. Not against a team like Brazil, that's for sure. Probably not even Croatia. Not that he wouldn't be aware anyway.
I just sense at times that he might be just asking a little too much of his players. It's only been a bit of luck that Australia have not suffered. Not just here against Japan, but also against Uruguay in Sydney. For all the brilliant passing and control in the first half, ultimately the result of this match came down to, as the TV commentators suggested, the brilliance of a few of players. If the team lost, questions would be asked. In victory, it would only be prudent to keep those questions in the back of the mind.
Australia also needs to watch those yellow cards. Cahill's and Aloisi's were totally unnecessary. Even if they were born out of frustration and Japanese enticing them, they were totally reckless.
Thankfully they won't play a part in the game against Brazil - a game that no doubt will be the biggest and most anticipated football game in Australian sporting history. Well, every game at this World Cup will be from now on.
Substitute Tim Cahill was the hero for Australia as the Socceroos scored three times in eight minutes to beat Japan 3-1 in Kaiserslautern and record both their first goals and their first ever win in FIFA World Cup? finals history on Monday, 12 June 2006. Trailing at half-time to Shunsuke Nakamura's 26th-minute goal, the opening Group F match turned on its head with the arrival of Cahill. He equalised with a close-range strike in the 84th minute and then fired a spectacular second in the 89th before striker John Aloisi put the icing on the cake two minutes into added time.
6': Under a blazing sun, it was Australia captain Mark Viduka who had the first attempt on goal. Latching onto a lobbed pass, the striker shot first with his left foot and then followed up with his right but both efforts were parried by Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.
14': As expected, Japan looked to build play more slowly with Guus Hiddink's side playing a more direct, energetic pressing game. After Takashi Fukunishi had hit a 30-yarder well over, the Socceroos proceeded to launch a barrage of crosses into the area testing Japan's defence to the full. From one, Marco Bresciano blasted over.
22': Japan were taking their time to settle but midway through the first half they almost took the lead. Turning past his marker on the edge of the box, Naohiro Takahara did not strike the ball as cleanly as he would have wished, however, and watched the effort trickle wide.
25': It was end-to-end stuff and Viduka produced a delightful back-heel into the path of Bresciano but the Brescia midfielder's side-footed finish from just inside the box lacked sufficient power and Kawaguchi got down well to save.
26': A minute later and Japan were in front with the softest of goals. Finding himself on the right wing, Nakamura chipped in a cross with his left foot that sailed over the advancing Mark Schwarzer and rolled into the empty net to the screams of the thousands of blue-clad fans in the arena. (0-1)
27': Almost from the restart, Harry Kewell, who had previously been kept fairly quiet, beat his man, tore goalwards and fired inches over with his left foot.
41': Australia were finding the going tough as the half wore on. Bresciano, who was finding more space than most, bent a low 30-yard free-kick into the side-netting.
53' Hiddink sent on his leading scorer in qualifying as Cahill, who had been an injury doubt prior to the finals, took the field in the place of Bresciano.
55': Despite the Socceroos' efforts, Japan's defence continued to look safe as the Australians searched for an equaliser in the early stages of the second half. Conserving their energy better in the unrelenting heat, the Samurais were looking dangerous on the break with Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata finding plenty of space to weave their magic.
69': Kawaguchi, who had been well protected, pulled off a terrific save to keep his side ahead. After substitute Joshua Kennedy had been brought down on the edge of the box, Viduka threw his whole weight behind the resulting free-kick but the Japanese goalkeeper dived to his right to turn away the powerful effort.
76': With the game opening up, Takahara won possession just inside the Australian half and bore down on goal. The Hamburg striker delayed his pass to the unmarked Atushi Yanagisawa, however, and the final shot fell tamely into the hands of Schwarzer.
78': Two minutes later and Yuichi Komano found himself in acres of space on the right but again his cross failed to pick out any one of the three players in the box.
84': Substitute Aloisi forced another fine save out of Kawaguchi with a scorching 30-yard free-kick.
85': From the resulting corner and then throw-in, the goalkeeper was left punching thin air as he ventured outside his six-yard box and in the ensuing scramble Cahill bundled in the equaliser. (1-1)
87': With huge gaps opening up all over the park, Fukunishi fired just wide from 20 yards.
89': Cahill, from a similar position at the other end, made no mistake, crashing his 20-yarder off one post and into the opposite corner of the net to give Australia the lead with his second goal. (2-1)
90 +2':In the dying seconds, another substitute Aloisi left victory in no doubt, driving through the heart of Japan's defence and, with his favoured left foot, firing in the third. (3-1)
In conclusion: Australia showed all their fighting qualities to come back in a game in which they looked dead and buried with substitutes Cahill and Aloisi the heroes. Japan, who controlled the match for long periods, will be disappointed not to have added a second after squandering a number of presentable opportunities.
Tim CAHILL (AUS), Budweiser Man of the Match
After the two goals, I felt fantastic. It's an unforgettable experience to come on as a
substitute in a World Cup and score two goals. The equaliser was very important and turned
the game in our favour. The first thing I did was to go and thank the rest of the team,
since we're all like one big family. This is a great start to our campaign and we're ready
for the next step on our World Cup mission.
John ALOISI (AUS)
The boys were great. We're over the moon that we won, because we were behind for a long
time and couldn't find a way to get back into it. That was probably the most exciting
match that Australia has ever had, even better than last November against Uruguay. It was
just great, it was Australia's first ever win at a World Cup and I was part of it.
Lucas NEILL (AUS)
It was a dramatic match. We always knew we had the ability but time was running out. I
think mentally and physically Japan were very drained and we had a bit left. One thing the
other team doesn't have is Aussie spirit.
Mark SCHWARZER (AUS)
We were always confident and put them under a lot of pressure. Tim turned the match in our
favour. We'll have a quick celebration then start preparing for the Brazil match.
Yoshikatsu KAWAGUCHI (JPN)
I'm still in shock after what happened during this match. We played great, we led for so
long and yet we ended up being beaten. I'm lost for words. The mood of the team is at rock
bottom after this defeat. It was very hot today, but that just meant that both teams had
to work hard. I have to congratulate Tim Cahill as well, as he was brilliant and turned
the match on its head. Now we absolutely have to win against Croatia.
Tsuneyasu MIYAMOTO (JPN)
It's unbelievable. I'm in shock. When they equalised, the whole team got together and said
that we had to make sure that we at least got a point out of the match. And then we let
two goals in and came away empty-handed. I'm really disappointed.
Alessandro SANTOS (JPN)
Until they equalised, we were completely focused, and then for some reason we just
collapsed. I really don’t know what happened.
Shunsuke NAKAMURA (JPN)
After (Keisuke) Tsuboi went off, I got the impression that the Australians had a lot more
chances. We really missed him out on the pitch. It was a real pity that we lost. I don't
know what to say.
Naohiro TAKAHARA (JPN)
I'm really disappointed. We really shouldn’t have lost. Words fail me.
Japan 1 NAKAMURA Shunsuke 26' - Australia 3 (CAHILL Tim 84', 89'; ALOISI John 92+')
Australia: Mark Schwarzer (gk); Lucas Neill, Craig Moore (Joshua Kennedy 61’), Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Mark Viduka (c), Harry Kewell, Vince Grella, Scott Chipperfield, Luke Wilkshire (John Aloisi 75’), Marco Bresciano (Tim Cahill 52’)
Cautions: MIYAMOTO Tsuneyasu (JPN) 31', GRELLA Vince (AUS) 33', TAKAHARA Naohiro (JPN) 40', MOORE Craig (AUS) 58', MONIWA Teruyuki (JPN) 68', CAHILL Tim (AUS) 69', ALOISI John (AUS) 78'
AUS - JPN
12 Shots on Goal 2
20 Shots 6
22 Fouls 11
5 Corner Kicks 3
3 Free Kicks 0
5 Offsides 3
0 Own Goals 0
4 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
52% Ball Possession 48%
36 Actual Playing Time 33
If there's one heart-breaking scenario that could eliminate Australia from the World Cup, it would be one of Australia winning two matches, including that over Brazil. Brazil's 1-0 win with Croatia on Tuesday morning has made this a possibility.
The problem is that if Australia does beat Brazil, and all the other results go as somewhat expected (Croatia beats Japan & Aus, Brazil beats Japan), it would see Brazil, Croatia and Australia all on 6 points with goal difference coming into play.
Ideally, the best result would have been a thumping of Croatia to eliminate the goal difference factor, or a draw to remove this 3-way 6-point tie possibility. A Croatia-Japan draw would do that as well, while a Japanese win will put them in the box seat to qualify if they beat Brazil.
Regardless of a win or draw against Brazil, Australia most likely will need at least a draw against Croatia to ensure qualification.
Now, some may be thinking "what's all this talk of Brazil losing games", well, Brazil not qualifying for the second phase is a scenario that must be considered. Brazil did not play well at all - looking lacklustre, uninspired and resigned to long-range shooting - and, on balance, Croatia created the better chances and were unlucky not to score.
As it stands, one more win does not guarantee Australian survival. However, had Brazil and Croatia drawn, it would have.
The positive of this result is that draws in their remaining two games will see Australia progress. So too will a win over Croatia as long as Japan does not beat both Brazil and Croatia.
It just would have been nice that if Australia did beat Brazil, they'd be qualified for the second phase automatically. That can only happen now if Croatia and Japan draw their match just prior to Australia's kick-off with Brazil.
That's what the 2-0 loss to Brazil represented last night in Stuttgart: chances. Brazil converted theirs; Australia didn't. It was still a rousing and, at times, quite extraordinary performance by an Australian team that entered the half-time break at 0-0 and looking for a dream win that would shoot them straight into the second phase after Japan and Croatia provided them the most favourable scoreline possible with their 0-0 result in the early match.
However, the break proved to be the downfall. Within 5 minutes of the second half, Brazil had taken the lead. It came down to a momentarily lapse in concentration and maybe slight complacency given the sterling job the team had done of containing Brazil so comfortably in the first half, and that was enough. With Ronaldo well covered by several Australian defenders, he passed off to Adriano in space, who then cut inside Chipperfield, to slot through his legs and into goal. Culina made a last ditch run to try and help out, but it was his lethargy that gave Adriano all the space in the first place, and he arrived way too late. With three defenders watching Ronaldo, it was one too many. Craig Moore really should have been covering the passing lane to Adriano. Considering the goal came from a slow build-up after a release from the goal-keeper, it was most disappointing way to concede. If it had been during the first half, no doubt it would have defended properly with Adriano never having such space, nor with the ball, that he did.
From there, the game really opened up after a first half mostly of long range shooting by both sides, with Hiddink bringing on Kewell for Cahill after Bresciano had already been brought on for Popovic just before half time when succumbing to a calf injury. Immediately Kewell got free for a dangerous cross, and then Bresciano broke clear down the left only to delay his shot and be dispossessed. Kewell then had the best chance to score when Dida dropped the ball to his feet, but could only sky a shot over the open goal.
Chasing a draw, and even a win, Aloisi came on for Moore - again leaving only one specialist defender on the pitch. While Australia kept creating chances, it also opened the game up further for Brazil, who were proving menacing on the counter attack. Viduka created the best chances for Australia with a lob just going over the bar after a Kewell flick-on, and then a glancing header from a Bresciano free kick just going narrowly wide. For Brazil, the ever elusive Kaka had a good chance saved by Schwarzer, while he also had a near-post header from a corner slam into the frame of the goal.
With even more numbers thrown forward in chasing the equaliser, eventually Australia succumbed. Though, it took until the 90th minute had a tinge of luck to it. Substitute Robinho's shot slammed into the post only to spring nicely in the direct path of Fred who virtually stumbled the ball into the open goal.
It was a pity, though. Especially so late. A 1-0 scoreline just would have looked a whole lot better.
Again, can't say enough about Lucas Neill in defence. Simply a superstar. Emerton, in his greater defending role, played exceptionally well with his speed and endurance keeping up with Brazil's swift breaks. Unfortunately he let himself down at times going forward in his usual fashion with some poor decisions and messing around too much with the ball. Although, he did have one good long shot that came close. Grella again had a moment of madness with a studs-up strike on Ronaldo's shin, but thankfully the referee saw no reason to give a yellow - or even a red. It did leave striking scratch marks on Ronaldo's leg.
The turning point in the match might have been Popovic's injury. It forced Chipperfield inside and he lost most of his attacking effectiveness. He's also no specialist defender, so it's almost a double loss. Bresciano did replace him, and in truth, this might have been a change Hiddink may have naturally made had Australia kept it at 0-0 at the hour mark into the game.
Also creating chaos was the refereeing. While not strictly favouring either team, the German was way too whistle happy, infuriating the Australians with constant niggling fouls caused mostly by the Brazillians collapsing in a heap on even the slightest touch by an Australian. In an extraordinary scene, Harry Kewell was at the centre of a verbal tirade towards the referee in the middle of the pitch after the match, waving fingers and expressing total frustration and annoyance. For what it's worth, neither of Brazils goals were offside, but Australia were, on several occasions, denied good attacking opportunities for seemingly nothing.
Sterjovksi started the game instead of Bresciano, and performed well. If the refereeing wasn't controversial enough, the most bizarre incident of the game came when Sterjovski broke through with plenty of time to cross to Viduka in space, but responded to crowd whistle for offside and let the ball run out of play. It left most players in dismay with puzzled looks towards the referee and the hapless Sterjovski. Through the TV, it did sound like a genuine whistle, though.
Then poor Viduka. If he wasn't suffering the idiosyncrasies of the referee, again he went without reward for all his work and nice touches. Other than the chances at goal, his best moment came in the first half when he totally bemused Cafu near the by-line and created a great opportunity to size up a nice cross. Unfortunately he could only skew his pass into Cafu's out-stretched leg.
Without Bresciano starting, problems did show in the set pieces with Culina taking them. He couldn't seem to get the pace/distance equation quite right. Brazil had trouble, too, with so many over hit. The problem could be the ball. It's been touted as trouble for the goal-keepers with it reputedly being the "roundest" ever and fastest in flight. However, Culina's long range shooting in the first half was also letting him down with his inability to make decent connections. A better solution might have been to start with Skoko.
Australia didn't produce much on the left either - an avenue that once was the domain of Lazaridis. He's also a corner taker.
Just minor issues, but in games like this when you get such few chances, you really need to make the most of them.
Thanks to the 0-0 draw between Croatia and Japan, Australia only needs a draw against Croatia to progress. They only way that can be denied is if Japan beat Brazil 3-0 or score 4 or more goals and win by at least two.
Had Australia been able to grab a draw against Brazil that it really quite honestly deserved, only a two goal loss or greater to Croatia could eliminate it.
Of course, a draw against Croatia to qualify for the second phase is a scenario that Australia would easily have taken before the tournament. It leaves them firmly in charge of their own destiny. Wouldn't it be nice to put a few passed those Croats as well, with Viduka a hat-trick.
Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 after overcoming a tough challenge from
Australia with a 2-0 win in Munich on Sunday, 18 June 2006.
The FIFA World Cup holders took the lead four minutes into the second half through Adriano
but they had to survive one or two nervy moments before substitute Fred sealed the victory
with a tap-in in the 90th minute. Brazil's second Group F win secured their advance to the
second round with a game to spare, while Australia are well poised to join them, holding a
two-point advantage of Japan and their next opponents Croatia.
The match:
1': Carlos Alberto Parreira started with the same team that had defeated Croatia in the
first game with Ronaldo keeping his place in attack. As expected, his Australia
counterpart Guus Hiddink included Tim Cahill albeit, surprisingly, at the expense of Harry
Kewell.
3': After receiving some less than complimentary headlines following his first appearance
at Germany 2006, Ronaldo gave a glimpse of his magic early on, controlling the ball on his
chest on the edge of the area and lobbing it over his head for Kaka to volley inches wide.
5': Australia refused to be intimidated and skipper Mark Viduka found space to strike a
25-yarder which moved a lot in the air before Dida saved in the centre of goal.
26': The Seleção's so-called 'Magic quartet' were conjuring up little and Dida again had
to be watchful as Brett Emerton fired in a snapshot from just outside the box.
37': The world champions almost cut through after a fine combination between Ronaldinho
and Kaka but Ronaldo, well positioned inside the box, drove his foot through clean air and
the chance went begging.
42': The number nine got much closer five minutes later after a neat back-flick from
Adriano. Using strength to shake off his marker, he cracked his 20-yard effort a yard
wide.
45+2': More on the defensive now, the Socceroos were nevertheless finding their men well
and after a flowing move from one side of the pitch to the other, Marco Bresciano, on for
the injured Tony Popovic, cut inside and struck a dipping 20-yard effort that only just
cleared Dida's bar.
Deadlock broken:
49': Brazil began the second half in more determined fashion and they were rewarded within
four minutes of the restart. Ronaldinho found Ronaldo on the edge of the box and the Real
Madrid striker squared to Adriano who cut inside onto his left foot before striking the
ball through Scott Chipperfield's legs and inside the near post. (1-0)
55': The goal sparked the Australians into action. Bresciano was sent clear down the left
but he delayed his shot and was thwarted by a last-ditch tackle. Then, Mike Sterjovski saw
his sweetly struck 25-yard half-volley graze the bar.
57': It was Kewell, however, with his first kick, who missed the best chance. Dida came a
long way for a high ball and, under Viduka's challenge, dropped it at the feet of Kewell
but instead of sliding the ball into the empty net the Liverpool man managed to clear the
bar with his left-foot shot.
68': The No.10 almost made amends with a combination made in Leeds. Kewell read former
club colleague Viduka’s flick-on and without thinking twice lobbed his 30-yard effort
just inches over.
70': With Brazil on the back foot for once, Kaka, their most in-form player, broke with a
typically direct run ending with a low shot from 20 yards which Mark Schwarzer got down
well to save.
77': The Seleção were looking increasingly dangerous on the counter and substitute
Robinho almost stole in at the near post after a fine move.
80': However, the Socceroos were amply showing their fighting instincts and Dida had to
scramble to his right to save Bresciano's acrobatic effort.
82': Kaka almost made the game safe, meeting Ronaldinho's corner at the near post but his
header crashed off the bar.
84': Back down the other end, Viduka almost grabbed the equaliser on two occasions. First,
with the lightest of headers, he diverted Bresciano's inswinging free-kick a whisker wide.
Then, two minutes later, he lobbed the onrushing Dida but again the effort took paint off
the wrong side of the post.
90': With Australia throwing men forward, Brazil snatched their second goal to seal the
game. Robinho’s angled drive crashed off the near post and the rebound fell to
substitute Fred who tapped into the empty net. (2-0)
In conclusion:
While not altogether convincing, a second victory for Brazil ensures their progress to the
second round. An impressive Australia will rue the missed chances but, provided Japan fail
to beat Brazil, a draw against Croatia in their final match will take them through.
RONALDO (BRA)
I played better today and I created the opening goal. I’m getting my fitness back and
I’m very pleased with my performance. Australia defended very well but Brazil were
always going to win.
ROBERTO CARLOS (BRA)
The team is performing a lot better, despite the very high temperatures, and we’re
full of confidence. It was a difficult game, they marked us very tightly. We’re going
to keep playing like we did today, and as a top side we’re well capable of winning
our next games. It’s not about winning one game, it’s about winning the
competition. We’re on the road to our sixth title – the team is on the right
track.
CAFU (BRA)
This was my 18th World Cup game for the Seleção. I’m really pleased to have broken
the record. I now need to make sure that my performances match the way the team is
playing.
ADRIANO (BRA)
It was our most difficult game so far, but we played better than in our previous match. It
was an incredible feeling to score my first World Cup goal, and I’m dedicating that
goal to my son.
RONALDINHO (BRA)
We’re going to improve with every game. The World Cup is a marathon, not a sprint.
Brazil are capable of playing nice football and the team is getting stronger with every
game.
KAKA (BRA)
The Australians marked us very tightly in the first half, but after the break the heat
took its toll and we were able to find enough space to score our goals. Brazil’s
quality is there for all to see. We had to play a patient game. The team is evolving and
we’re growing together in every way.
Mark VIDUKA (AUS)
It was a tough match, but a fair one. It was difficult for us to score, as Brazil have got
so many superstars in their team. Our aim is still to make it through to the next round.
It was great to play in a match like this surrounded by so many Australian fans. Now we
want to beat Croatia.
Harry KEWELL (AUS)
We played well, it was a good team performance. The atmosphere in the stadium was
fantastic. Now we want to go and beat Croatia – we’re not looking for a draw.
Mark SCHWARZER (AUS)
We’re not yet talking about the Round of 16, we’re just concentrating on our
last group match against Croatia.
John ALOISI (AUS)
Brazil were a very good team, they now have six points and they’re through to the
next round. You can be pretty sure that they’ll go a long way in this tournament. We
showed what we were made of today and played really well; it’s just a pity that we
let those two goals in.
Lucas NEILL (AUS)
We’re really frustrated and disappointed, but we played very well and I’m really
happy to be a part of this Australian team.
Vince GRELLA (AUS)
We played very well and created a few good chances. We put Brazil under pressure. The
defeat won’t knock us off our stride as it’s still possible for us to get
through to the last 16. We want to approach the next match the way we played Japan.
We’re confident that we will be able to beat Croatia – we know we’re good
enough.
Marco BRESCIANO (AUS)
Brazil deserved to beat us today, they were better than us. The World Cup has really been
an incredible experience for us so far.
Scott CHIPPERFIELD (AUS)
We knew that it would be tough against Brazil. We created some chances, but didn’t
quite have the luck we needed. We really pushed forward towards the end, but we
couldn’t quite turn our pressure into goals.
Brazil 2 (Adrinao 49', Fred 90') - Australia 0
Brazil: Dida (GK), Cafu (C), Lucio, Juan, Emerson (-72', Gilberto Silva), Roberto Carlos, Adriano (-88', Fred), Kaka, Ronaldo (-72', Robinho), Ronaldhinho, Ze Roberto
Australia: Mark Schwarzer (GK), Lucas Neill, Craig Moore (-69', John Aloisi)), Tim Cahill (-56', Harry Kewell), Jason Culina, Tony Popovic (-41', Marco Bresciano), Brett Emerton, Mark Viduka (C), Vince Grella, Scott Chipperfield, Mile Sterjovski
BRA - AUS
16 Shots 14
6 Shots on Goal 4
9 Fouls 25
7 Corner Kicks 4
2 Free Kicks (shots on goal) 0
0 Penalty Kicks 0
5 Offsides 1
0 Own Goals 0
3 Cautions 2
0 Expulsions 0
54% Ball Possession 46%
30 Actual Playing Time 26
In yet another dramatic and exhilarating match, Australia booked itself into the final 16 of the World Cup with an emotionally charged 2-2 draw against Croatia this morning. Entering the game, provided Japan could not cause an upset with a big win against Brazil, Australia only needed a draw to qualify for the second round. Within two minutes, the scenario of needing to score was reversed when Darijo Srna smashed a classic direct free kick into the Australian net after a fumbled passage of play. Mark Viduka's reckless tackle allowed the free kick when trying to win the ball back after making an under-hit pass to Grella.
If Australia's pensive play wasn't causing enough problems, the referee's diabolical performance was only adding to it. Two blatant penalties were missed, it took Croatia's Joe Simunic to receive 3 yellow cards before being sent off, and a last ditch Australian goal was denied right at the end seemingly for no apparent reason other than England's Graham Poll deemed the match over a split second before the ball crossed the line.
Then there was the referee's general handling of the play, where, much like in the Brazil game, Australia was crucified in any 50/50 challenges. The one positive is that he indeed at least did spot the handball that gave Australia a penalty for its first goal and the Fifa edict of "when in doubt, favour the attacker" seemed to be applied for Harry Kewell's late equaliser and ultimately the goal that sent Australia through the next phase.
Sometimes it's just too much a coincidence to think there's not a conspiracy with the refereeing given the horrendous offerings Australia has had in its three matches. It has not just been Australia, but in matches since, the Tunisia and the USA have suffered penalty kick against Ghana and Ukraine respectively for minimal contact, if not actual diving. In the Ukraine game, a blatant handball by the wall was missed from a Tunisian free kick. Both the USA and Tunisia had to win their games to advance. Neither could after their setbacks. USA had the infamous Markus Merk that refereed the Brazil-Australia game. Lets not forget the debacle in last years Confederations Cup match against Argentina either.
It just seems that the powers that be don't want small countries like Australia in the tournament and would prefer the traditional powers advance. Oh, shock horror if we have a World Cup without Brazil. There was actually a point in the Croatia-Australia game when I thought, "well, if we have to be eliminated, at least it's because of the referees and a shoddy goal-keeper".
Bias might be a strong word, but inconsistency cannot possibly be an excuse for that first penalty miss with Australia. Simunic no less grabbed Viduka around the body and over the shoulder, dragging him down to the ground rugby style. Yet in other matches, the barest of grabbing (rightfully so in accordance with Fifa's edict) has seen penalties awarded?
Wasting any further time commenting on the refereeing is actually a disservice to this Australian team that againt again performed magnificently. This time it was in extricating itself from a crisis situation on two ocassions when it went a goal down. If the first goal wasn't disappointing enough, the second goal only infuriated. Zeljko Kalac was the preferred goal-keeper for this match and never looked comfortable in the rare occasions he had to do anything. Just after Australia first equalised, he dropped a regulation corner catch, only to safely regather before it bounced over the goalline. Then 10 minutes into the second half, disaster struck when a weak, low Kovac shot could only be fumbled and skewed into the net. If the word "hell" preceded by a context-defining f-word could be heard by alien lifeforms in outer space, they could have pinpointed the source to my bedroom.
Personally, I've never had faith in Kalac. While he is strong in the air, he's also prone to moments of madness. Normally his shot stopping is ok, but if Schwarzer can be accused of not coming out with enough conviction at times, then Kalac can be accused of being over zealous. He can simply be a liability at times.
In truth, the early goal did swing the pattern of the match, with Hiddink expecting Australia to be in a position of under siege for most, if not all, of the match. But surely you stick with the one that's been trusted for so long? While Kalac failed to impress against Greece and Liechtenstein, Schwarzer excelled during the Uruguay series and against Holland. Then, if there's one position on the pitch where you want match sharpness, it is with the goal keeper. With Kalac rarely in the starting line-up for his club all season, it really does make you question Hiddink's wisdom on this occasion. It's just a decision that never added up. Even without hindsight.
Speaking of that match pattern, it was an unrelenting Australia against a cowardly Croatia. Other than near the end when Tudor found the ball at his feet with an open shot on goal when Croatia were chasing the game, Croatia did nothing other than score their goals. Once they had the lead, they sat deep despite the frantic urgings of their coach on the sideline. It was as though they were in fear of losing. Fear of losing to a team like Australia. A fear that was thankfully realised.
It's just a pity that last goal was denied. A 3-2 finale would have been icing on the cake. Not to mention a $1000 win for a $20 bet on that result by a friend of mine. The referee's impact extended even outside the pitch.
Italy awaits on Monday night. As with the game against Japan, Australia is treading uncharted waters now. A new journey begins. In that respect the pressure is off fans and players alike, and now it's a time to just enjoy the journey and see how far we can go. It's a game quite winnable, too, with the USA keeping Italy to a draw in the group game despite being a man down for part of it, and an unimpressive display against an under-manned Czech team in their final game. Italy are also not a Brazil where there'll be danger, danger, danger - even if they go ahead. Ideally, it would be nice to keep a clean sheet for once, but even if a goal down, the consolidation approach of the Italians will keep Australia in it.
Australia will have to do it without the excellent Brett Emerton, though. He's been suspended for this match after some silly yellow cards. Already on a yellow coming into this game, he received another after time-wasting when knocking the ball away. To finish it off, he got another for an unnecessary handball, which ultimately had him sent off for the game. Both cards came in the final 10 minutes. It's especially undisciplined play for a player that's really emerged in this tournament in his new defensive role. It will be interesting to see what Hiddink does to replace him. With Popovic injured, does he try one of the new boys Milligan or Beauchamp? Milligan's the more attack minded wide player like Emerton, while Beauchamp has the height and a specialist central defender.
Without stating the obvious, it would perfect timing if Viduka finally scored a goal at this Cup. He again played well against Croatia, but didn't make enough of his chances to score. One header went straight to the goalie, while it might be time to be less selfish and try direct on goal himself. It might even surprise the opposition.
His long-term partner in crime, Harry Kewell, played well, and was indeed awarded the Fifa man of the match award and generous praise by coach Guus Hiddink. He did miss a sitter midway through the second half with a point-blank shot on goal after Viduka played him on, and could only shoot direct at the goalie. Thankfully he redeemed himself on 79 minutes with the goal that came from an Aloisi flick-on from a Bresciano deep cross. His elation after scoring was of the highest level ever seen from the player. It was almost as though the Cup had been won itself.
The midfield was solid without really ever igniting or being in trouble, while at the back, nothing more can be said about Lucas Neill that's already been said in the papers. He's quite possibly Australia's most valuable player at the moment.
Dare to dream?
Well, after Italy, the draw has opened nicely with Switzerland winning group G at the expense of France. They or Ukraine will await in the quarter finals. From there, either Germany or Argentina in the semis and Brazil, England or the Netherlands in the final.
Nah, safer not to dream.
Australia made history by twice coming from behind against Croatia to earn the point
they needed to claim a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
The Socceroos lost all three games in their one previous appearance on the world stage in
1974 but a 2-2 draw with Croatia in Stuttgart was enough to secure second place in Group F
and a second-round tie against Italy in Kaiserslautern on 26 June. Australia finished with
four points from three matches, two clear of third-placed Croatia.
On a nervy night, Croatia opened the scoring through Darijo Srna’s second-minute
free-kick. Craig Moore drew Australia level from the penalty spot on 38 minutes but the
balance swung back Croatia’s way when Niko Kovac’s shot was fumbled by Zeljko
Zalac in the 56th minute. However, Harry Kewell struck the decisive second Australian goal
11 minutes from time.
The match:
2': Amid an absolutely incredible, spine-tingling atmosphere, Croatia raced into an early
lead with their first goal at Germany 2006. Australia captain Mark Viduka brought down
fellow skipper Niko Kovac 25 metres out and Darijo Srna curled a superb free-kick over the
top of the wall past giant goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac, who was starting ahead of Mark
Schwarzer (1-0).
14': Harry Kewell tried a hopeful drive from distance, cutting across the ball with his
left foot but it failed to swerve and passed wide.
17': Tim Cahill teed up Jason Culina from 20 metres, but his shot was deflected past the
post for a corner during a period of sustained pressure by Australia.
28': Cahill had a good chance with a close-range header but the ball seemed to come more
off his shoulder and Stipe Pletikosa gathered it safely.
29': Pletikosa had a little more work to do this time, diving low to his right to block a
powerful drive by Kewell. Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar cut an extremely anxious figure on
the touchline, screaming instructions to his beleaguered players who could not keep
possession.
33': Culina became the latest player to fire a shot in, but the attempt passed wide.
38': Australia drew level with a penalty after Stjepan Tomas handled a cross inside the
area. Craig Moore stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, sending the passionate
Aussie contingent into raptures (1-1).
39': Kalac makes hearts skip a beat all around the deafening stadium by dropping a corner
near his goalline but the ball was deemed to have already passed out of play.
42': Viduka got his head to Scott Chipperfield’s cross but it was straight at
Pletikosa.
43': Dado Prso brought Croatia back to life with a surging run but he blazed wide with his
left foot.
Croatians rally
50': Croatia seemed much more positive at the start of the second half than they were for
most of the first period when they were on the back foot and Niko Kranjcar went close with
a right-footed drive.
53': Kovac could not keep a header down from inside the five-metre line and it passed well
over the bar, though the Croatia fans were singing their team’s praises once more.
56': Croatia went in front again when Kovac went dribbling, twisting Cahill this way and
that before sending a weak-looking shot at Kalac, who seemed to have it easily covered,
but he fumbled the ball and it squirmed over his body and into the net (2-1).
72': Pletikosa performed heroics with two great stops within a minute, first with a
point-blank reflex save to deny Kewell, who seemed destined to score, then he just about
held onto a stabbed attempt by Kewell again when the Croatian was right on the goalline,
despite the attentions of Cahill and John Aloisi bearing down right on top of him.
79': Australia equalised and this time Kewell was not to be denied. Aloisi flicked on a
cross with his head and the Liverpool winger controlled it before blasting a right-footed
volley into the corner. The see-saw nature of the occasion was now firmly tilted back in
Australia’s favour. (2-2).
85': Kovac was sent off after being shown his second yellow card by English referee Graham
Poll.
87': Brett Emerton became the second player to be red-carded in the space of two minutes
after a deliberate handball earned him a second caution.
92+': Cahill put the ball in the net but the effort was ruled out and in a frantic finish
to the match, Croatia's Josip Simunic was also shown the red card.
In conclusion:
Stuttgart played host to a night of unforgettable drama, where both sides could have
progressed to the second round at different stages, but at the end it was Australia who
were celebrating and heading to Kaiserslautern to face Italy on Monday.
Australia forward Harry Kewell has been named as Budweiser Man of the Match after the 2-2 draw between the Socceroos and Croatia, which saw the Oceania champions through to the Round of 16. The Liverpool player was the inspiration behind his team's historic achievement. Before this tournament, Australia had only played in one FIFA World Cup, in Germany in 1974, drawing one match and losing two others.
However, in the encounter with Croatia, the Australian No. 10 was a shining example to his team mates, with his energetic running and selfless work ethic. He kept going for the full 90 minutes, and popped up at just the right time to make all the difference in one of the tournament’s most tense matches to date.
Alvin Corneal, a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group, summed up the reasons behind Kewell’s award. "He was the inspiration for his team, and he showed a real stomach for the fight. He was excellent not just going forward, but also tracking back. He scored the decisive goal that took his team through to the second round.
"He was technically very good, was always willing to run with the ball, and he created a lot of good opportunities for his team. He was the biggest danger to the Croat defence.”
Zlatko KRANJCAR (CRO)
I’m very disappointed. The team gave everything, but it was a disastrous result for
us. It was a very intense and physical game. We took the lead twice but couldn’t hold
on for the all-important win. Igor Tudor had the goal at his mercy just before the end,
but the ball just wouldn’t go in.
At the end of the day it was 2-2 and we’re out. Unfortunately, we couldn’t
consolidate on our early 1-0 lead. We sat back too deep and invited the Australians onto
us. I was wildly gesticulating from the sidelines to drive the team forward, but my calls
were drowned out. Australia didn’t surprise us. We knew they are a great team and I
congratulate them on reaching the next round. Now we have to look forward. I will make a
statement on extending my contract in the next few days.
Guus HIDDINK (AUS)
The match was an emotional rollercoaster ride. We came back from behind twice and it was a
fantastic match for the fans. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and there’ll be a
few people missing work today in Australia. We showed character after their early goal
from Darijo Srna’s sensational free-kick and kept going forward.
My team showed they have hearts like lions. It was a great match from both teams, very
competitive and dogged. The referee gave a good performance. Now we can turn our
attentions towards Italy. The ace up our sleeve today was the amazing performance of Harry
Kewell. He made the difference.
Harry KEWELL (AUS)
This was the most important goal of my career. I am so proud of our team because we never
gave up and we equalised twice. I am very happy that we reached the second stage and I am
looking forward to the match against Italy. The success today for me is as important as
the Champions League win with Liverpool.
Niko KOVAC (CRO)
I am really sad. We led two times and still couldn't win but we should have won. It was a
tremendous match for all the supporters. Despite playing really well, we are flying back
to Croatia.
Ivan KLASNIC (CRO)
We played well but only when we were in the lead. The Australians deserved to go through.
Congratulations to a fantastic team.
Stipe PLETIKOSA (CRO)
I'm very unhappy about not going through. We deserved to make it into the last 16.
Marko BABIC (CRO)
It's not great when you’ve been in the lead twice but can't protect the result until
the end. We had no luck at all, and we’ve fallen a long way short of our own
expectations. It’s terrible.
Darijo SRNA (CRO)
I am totally down and I cannot describe my emotions. We didn't have any luck and we played
too defensively. I have to thank all our fantastic supporters. They gave everything and we
had the chance to win but we didn't score the decisive goal.
Luka MODRIC (CRO)
I am speechless and I could cry. We are out because Australia attacked us constantly and
we played too much in defence.
Zeljko KALAC (AUS)
The goalkeeper is always under big pressure. I wasn't really nervous but I am very
disappointed that I couldn't stop such an easy shot. The goal was obviously my fault.
Mark VIDUKA (AUS)
Something special happened tonight. We have to believe in ourselves now and we showed the
spirit we have in our team. This was a really emotional game even before it started and
now we are going to celebrate. The message to our fans is to keep staying behind us.
Craig MOORE (AUS)
It's a fantastic experience and we have fantastic individual players in our team. We
really feel good as underdogs and we are all enjoying being here. We'd love to stay
longer. The fans were unbelievable. We were stronger than Croatia tonight and we can be
stronger than the Italians too because they struggled against the USA.
Vince GRELLA (AUS)
It was a special game. We have to recharge our batteries now because it’s going to be
a tough game against Italy. It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster tonight but we
came through.
Lucas NEILL (AUS)
It's a great feeling. You can't imagine it. It wasn't a dirty game at all, just
passionate. We came back and that shows our team spirit. The fans got an exciting game
tonight and this is what the World Cup is all about. We're going to go out now and enjoy
every minute we are playing.
Jason CULINA (AUS)
The crowd was magical and the result was a great tribute to all our players.
Marco BRESCIANO (AUS)
We will enjoy tonight. It's unbelievable and from tomorrow we will work hard to prepare
for the Italians. Getting to this stage is a big success for us and now we have nothing to
lose, but we will stay as long as we can.
Scott CHIPPERFIELD (AUS)
We kept fighting to the end and that counts. We never gave up and it was fantastic. Now we
want to go further.
Archie THOMPSON (AUS)
Usually I'm hitting the corner flag or kicking it, but this time I was singing with it
after the equaliser. It's fantastic making the second round. I'm so happy and I think
we're going a really long way.
Croatia 2 (Srna 2', Kovac 56') - Australia 2 (Moore 38' p, Kewell 79')
Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa (GK), Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic, Igor Tudor, Dario Simic, Marko Babic, Dado Prso, Niko Kovac (C), Stjepan Tomas (-83', Ivan Klasnic), Ivica Olic (-74', Luka Modric), Niko Kranjcar (-65', Jerko Leko)
Australia: Zeljko Kalac (GK), Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Tim Cahill, Jason Culina, Brett Emerton, Mark Viduka (C), Vince Grella (51', John Aloisi), Scott Chipperfield (71', Marco Bresciano), Mile Sterjovski (75', Joshua Kennedy)
CRO - AUS
8 Shots 12
3 Shots on Goal 7
21 Fouls 24
3 Corner Kicks 9
1 Free Kicks (shots on goal) 0
0 Penalty Kicks 1
2 Offsides 1
0 Own Goals 0
6 Cautions 2
2 Expulsions 1
44% Ball Possession 56%
24 Actual Playing Time 31
What can I say. The referees have been gunning to get us out of the tournament since the goal against Japan. Now they finally manage it. They could have given us at least ONE minute to try and equalise. :unspeakable:
uggla > Swearing is very unladylike. :D
Anyway, part of me feels relief that it's all over. Seriously, I don't think I could take much more. I doubt one team could have so much drama in the entire history of the World Cup than Australia did in this one.
I was looking forward to a comfortable game just to see how far we could progress now. Then with Italy's red card (should only have been yellow, but anyway...) suddenly we are in the box seat to win and the pressure and drama is all back on.
Then to lose it at the end like that?
Well, in a way, if we had to lose, 1-0 to Italy with a dubious penalty at the end is not too bad to take. I actually had a similiar feeling against Croatia when we had the shoddy goal-keeper and a missed penalty with a blatant hand-ball. Of course, there, we equalised and survived.
Some points:
1) Absolutely technically it was no penalty. Lucas Neill did not collide with the Italian. At worst, it was an indirect free kick for obstruction. However, at normal live speed, it did look bad and I feared instantly a penalty. He also did go down too early, which was a defensive error in itself. You just need to be so careful.
2) Despite the extra man, all the possession, and all the play, Australia could not score. Credit to Italy for their defense. Then with their counter attacks, they were always looking more dangerous than us. That was the difference between them and us.
To summarise, "No tears, only great memories". Although, tears are pouring into my eyes as I write these final comments. Yes, I'm disappointed, but oh so very proud. :)
This was a post I made early today at a music message board I visit. It was the time when Australia's 1-0 loss to Italy and therefore elimination from the World Cup began to sink in. It was the second time I cried.
The first time was cycling in on the way to work. I was thinking about a possible heading for this page, and how to construct my thoughts, and "no tears, only great memories" became the theme.
Of course, these are not tears of sadness. They are tears of happiness and sheer pride for the team and what it's done in representing our country.
Who'd have thought from the shattered wreck of the Iran game that the journey could have encompassed such dizzying heights of elation and exhilaration?
For some, the journey's been even longer. Since Argentina in 1993, Israel in 1989, Scotland in 1985, New Zealand in 1981, or even way back since the 1974 for the only other time Australia has qualified.
But if you want to build a roller-coaster mapping our World Cup history, the Iran game would certainly be the deepest trough.
Who knows what could have been had Australia managed to get past Italy. Ukraine would certainly have been in Australia's grasp, and then onto a semi final against either Germany or Argentina.
On a curious note, it would have been interesting to see the entire series of Nike "denying history" ads had Australia done the unthinkable and won the World Cup.
As for the match, for all the possession and play, especially in the second half, Australia could only create a few chances. The best was Chipperfield's turn and shoot on the hour that went straight to goal-keeper Buffon, while Cahill had a chance with a header from a corner that went over the bar. Just before injury time in the second half, Viduka just failed to get a foot to a low cross from substitute John Aloisi
In the first half, Chipperfield could only aim a scrambled shot direct to Buffon off a flicked-on free kick, while just prior, Viduka had an opportunity with a header after some nice wing play by Chipperfield. Unfortunately, Viduka was under severe pressure and could only aim it at the keeper.
For Viduka, it was a frustrating match. He had little time on the ball - constantly double-teamed and even triple-teamed. Australia simply couldn't provide a killer ball in the attacking third of the pitch, while at the other end struggled to combat Italy's quick passing and one-touch play out of midfield, who always looked more dangerous in their raids. Only once Materazzi was red carded did Australia seem to deal with Italy's attacks better (mostly from controlling most of the possession). Even in the rare times Italy did attack, they still looked dangerous.
It was a pattern that seemed could have been played out for eternity. For Australia, they simply needed to score. When they couldn't, it only seemed a matter of time that Italy would. They constantly created the better chances, and even as early as the third minute, quite easily could have had the lead when Luca Toni's header went narrowly wide.
Personally, I felt Australia needed to abandon Viduka as a channel for their attacks, free him up, and just get wide and launch a barrage of crosses. Eventually one would connect or a late arriving player could pick up some crumbs. Josh Kennedy would have been ideal as a target man partnering Viduka, and a player like Stan Lazaridis ideal for supplying those crosses. While the team was very flexible defensively and playing without the ball, it seemed that offensively it was quite inflexible. It just would have been nice to see something else tried. Aloisi came on with only 10 minutes left. For so long against Italy, it just wasn't happening - even with the extra man. That's all with due respect to Hiddink's master planning and the fact that for 10 more seconds it would have been extra time and therefore a new ball game.
Materazzi's red card it did seem harsh at the time. Certainly a professional foul, but did it deny a clear goal scoring chance? The only other consideration for the direct red card is a dangerous tackle, and after seeing the replays on the news this evening, indeed it was a two-footed lunging tackle. In an absolute technical sense, a correct decision. Ironically, the main damage from his flying boot would have been to the ankle of his nearby teammate. Regardless, injurious contact or not, these type of tackles are outlawed.
This picture illustrates it perfectly:
There was a penalty call by Australia for a handball in the box late in the game, with Mark Viduka, standing behind the alleged offender, adamant the Italian player controlled the ball with his hand. Replays showed the player caught by surprise and the ball striking the player's lower arm or hand by his side. Whether he's deliberately opened his palm or held his arm a little out from his body to create a larger blockable area, who really knows. It would have been a tough call.
The Italian penalty will always be controversial. It would be nice to actually know the exact application of the law in this circumstance. There was so certainly no collision by Neill on Grosso. At worst it seemed like obstruction. But when you go to the ground like that you do put yourself in that position for the referee to err. The chorus line from all commentators, media and experts alike is no penalty. In real time, actually at live speed, it did look bad. The most disappointing aspect was Lucas Neill being the unfortunate offender. He's kept Australia in the game so often this tournament, and certainly been Australia's most valuable player.
Who said a picture can tell a thousand words?:
In some ways, if you must lose such a game, it's not a bad way to lose it. A 1-0 last second loss to Italy in such dubious circumstances? It's a tainted victory.
Fourteen days ago, in Kaiserslautern, against Japan, a refereeing error almost ends our tournament then and there. Now, back at the same venue, against a team again wearing blue and white, a refereeing error finally puts us out. It's almost poetic.
Australia has been the revelation of this tournament. If there was any chance our heroics would be forgotten, this finale will ensure we'll be remembered forever.
For long term fans like myself, it means a deeper place in our hearts.
No tears, only great memories.
Yes, no tears.
26 June 2006
An injury-time penalty from substitute Francesco Totti took ten-man Italy past Australia
and into the last eight of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Kaiserslautern on Monday, 26
June 2006.
Totti, a 75th-minute replacement for Alessandro Del Piero, drove the spot-kick high
into the net after Fabio Grosso had gone down under a Lucas Neill challenge just seconds
before the final whistle.
Italy had been reduced to ten men following Marco Materazzi's red card five minutes into
the second half and at that stage their followers might have feared a repeat of their loss
to Guus Hiddink's Korea Republic at this stage four years ago. Instead, Totti's strike
leaves the Azzurri looking forward to a quarter-final tie against either Switzerland or
Ukraine in Hamburg on Friday.
As for Hiddink's Australia team, they can head for home proud of their performance in
Germany, having reached the Round of 16 on their first outing on the world stage in 32
years.
The match:
4': Mark Schwarzer, playing on his old club ground, returned to the Australia goal after
being left out against Croatia and his goal came under threat early on. Luca Toni met a
cross from the left but his header from the edge of the six-yard box went inches past the
goalkeeper's left-hand post.
7': In a lively start, Alberto Gilardino attacked down the left and was poised to shoot
when Craig Moore produced an excellent challenge.
18': Both sides settled after the early flurry of activity. Italy looking impenetrable,
Australia firm in the challenge any time the ball was anywhere near a danger area.
22': Both sides settled after the early flurry of activity but the next opening was again
at the Australian end. A fine ball from Andrea Pirlo picked out Toni but the striker's low
shot after a sharp turn was saved by the legs of Schwarzer.
24': Gianluigi Buffon had his first touch of note soon after as Viduka rose high to meet a
free-kick but it was a simple save for the Italy goalkeeper.
29': Australia came within a whisker of taking the lead when Neill flicked on a free-kick
and Scott Chipperfield brought an instinctive save from Buffon with a low drive from 13
yards.
34': Following a good spell for the southern hemisphere side, two chances fell to Toni:
first he had a shot blocked, then he headed over from close range.
41': The Azzurri threatened again as Toni stretched to reach a right-wing cross in front
of goal, but failed to make contact.
Marching orders for Materazzi
48':There was an early chance for Italy when play resumed, but Toni shot well over.
50': As play switched quickly to the other end, Materazzi lunged in with a challenge on
Marco Bresciano some five yards outside the penalty area and the Internazionale defender
was immediately shown the red card. From the resultant free-kick Chipperfield shot wide.
55': Marcello Lippi decided he could not afford the luxury of leaving two strikers on and
restored his defence to full strength by replacing Toni with Palermo defender Andrea
Barzagli.
58': The Australians kept pushing forward and Chipperfield, latching onto a short ball
from Neill, forced another save from Buffon.
63': Italy wasted a good chance on the break when Gennaro Gattuso overhit a ball intended
for the unmarked Del Piero after a quick break caught Australia short in numbers in
defence.
80': The hold-up play of Viduka and the trickery of Tim Cahill had caused problems
throughout the game and the Australia midfielder only just cleared the crossbar with a
header from a corner.
85': From substitute John Aloisi's cross, Viduka almost carved out a chance on the edge of
the six-yard box but Buffon intervened. Hesitancy in the Australia defence moments later
let in Vincenzo Iaquinta but he mishit his shot from some eight yards out.
89': From a right-wing cross, Aloisi went for a spectacular winner but an attempted
overhead kick failed as he missed the ball.
90+4': Eight seconds from the end of the game Grosso broke into the Australia box and went
to ground under Neill's tackle, and referee Luis Medina Cantalejo pointed to the penalty
spot. Schwarzer went the right way, but Totti beat him with a powerful drive. (0-1)
In conclusion:
Heartbreak for an Australia side who produced one of their best performances on the
international stage. But credit to Italy who for standing firm when down to ten men for
the majority of the second half.
Marcello LIPPI (ITA)
We were concerned about their high-tempo game and their tireless running, and because of
that, we treated them with a lot of respect. We contained them very well in the first half
and carved out three clear chances for ourselves. They had no chances to speak of. After
the break, I brought on (Vincenzo) Iaquinta to speed things up a bit, but then we went
down to ten men.
After that, the quality of our organisation and our spirit saw us through. We passed the
ball well out of defence. Then at the end (Fabio) Grosso was superb and (Francesco) Totti
perfect in tucking away the penalty. Let's hope that gives him a lift. He had trouble
lasting the distance against the Czechs, and that's why I gave him a breather today. I
intended bringing him on when the match had settled down and that's what I did.
Guus HIDDINK (AUS)
I’m very disappointed with the loss, coming as it did as a result of a last-gasp
goal, but I'm very proud of the way my players performed throughout the tournament and
particularly against Italy. We started off saying to ourselves that we wanted to avoid
penalty-kicks, but as things unfolded we would have taken them.
We wanted to play attractive, spectacular football, and we did. But in contrast to the
Italians, we weren’t lethal enough in front of goal. The team tried their hardest and
we can have no regrets.
Gianluigi BUFFON (ITA), Budweiser Man of the Match
I thought I played well even though I had less to do than in the previous match against
the Czech Republic. I did well on the few occasions I was needed. I never thought the
Australians would score, but in the second half I didn't think we would either. We’re
a bit tired mentally, especially me as a goalkeeper with not very much to do. The events
of Korea/Japan 2002 flashed before my eyes. I didn’t have the courage to watch
(Francesco) Totti's penalty, not because I didn't have faith in him, but because I was so
nervous. I didn't think he'd try a chip shot because he's too clever to do something like
that at such a moment. We think we can go all the way to the Final in Berlin, that's our
dream.
Francesco TOTTI (ITA)
Today we showed that our fitness levels are good and we have the right mentality to go a
long way. To get results you have to use your head and we did today. I had no intention of
trying a chip shot with the penalty, I was just concentrating on scoring. (Marcello) Lippi
came to see me at two this afternoon and explained why he was leaving me out. I have no
problem with him. He showed faith in me and picked me for the squad. I respect his
decisions. I’m fit and ready for the next matches.
Alberto GILARDINO (ITA)
There's great desire to do well. Suspensions and injuries aren’t a problem because
the squad’s big and we’ll do anything to stay in the tournament.
Luca TONI (ITA)
We played very well in the first half and had four or five chances. We started well in the
second half but then had the sending-off. Australia had most of the possession but we
never stopped believing.
Vincenzo IAQUINTA (ITA)
I came on and the team were immediately in difficulty due to (Marco) Materazzi’s red
card. That made everything more difficult and the balance of the game was upset. In any
event we defended very well. I was hoping we would win inside 90 minutes and we never
stopped believing. Totti was very calm for the penalty, I knew he'd score. We’re a
great team in that 20 of the 23 squad members have appeared. Team spirit is the key to
everything, and we’re a good team aiming for Berlin.
Andrea BARZAGLI (ITA)
I saw great team spirit this afternoon and a lot of happy faces at the end. As Francesco
Totti took the penalty I thought of all of us, because you don’t now what to expect
from him. I was very excited when the coach told me I was going on, but I had to contain
myself as it’s part of the game. A last-minute win is a fantastic feeling.
Gennaro GATTUSO (ITA)
They didn’t have a single shot on goal and the feeling was that they’d never
score. It’s very satisfying to be one of the best eight teams in the world after
everything that’s happened in our country. I’d rather meet Ukraine than
Switzerland (in the next round) because the Swiss are better.
Fabio GROSSO (ITA)
We can look forward now. I’m very happy to be part of this squad. I was desperate for
us to score in normal time because we were down to ten men. I don’t know what
would’ve happened if it had gone to extra time.
Marco MATERAZZI (ITA)
I’m very disappointed I can’t play in the next game. When I looked into the
referee’s eyes I knew it was useless to protest. I didn’t want to inflame the
situation any further so I just walked towards the tunnel. I don’t think the referee
had it in for us though.
Still, I’m delighted with the result and Francesco Totti’s goal. I could only
hope my team-mates would come through - and they did. (Andrea) Barzagli had a great game,
hats off to him. We played well as a unit in the first half, but it was obvious we’d
suffer with only ten men. Luckily Francesco (Totti) kept his nerve, and I have to say he
played very well when he came on. Our team has tremendous will - we go onto the pitch
convinced we’ll win. We need to keep our team spirit if we’re to claim the
ultimate prize.
Mark VIDUKA (AUS):
I’m very disappointed because I felt we dominated the game. Losing is an absolute
nightmare. The Italians were very solid in defence and played to their strengths. That
said, I could see that they were very tired by the end of the game, especially because
they had to play with a man less. If it had gone into extra time we would have won,
because our greatest asset is our fitness.
Mark MILLIGAN (AUS):
We are very disappointed, because we gave everything and we really threw everything into
attack. The end was a complete shock, it was like a knockout blow. The World Cup has been
the greatest festival of football ever, and we’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
Scott CHIPPERFIELD (AUS):
This has really hit us hard. We had a few good chances to put ourselves into the
quarter-finals. Unfortunately we didn’t have the luck we needed. But overall we can
be more than pleased with our performance. We are proud of the way we played and of our
fantastic fans.
Stan LAZARIDIS (AUS):
It was a bitter defeat. But thanks to our terrific displays the world has taken notice of
Australian football. We could have won, and after the game the Italians congratulated us
on our great performance. It was an unforgettable experience, the way the whole country
got behind us at the World Cup.
John ALIOSI (AUS):
It is hard to have to go out of the tournament in this way. After the goal we had no
chance to try and come back again. It was only in the dressing room afterwards that what
happened really sank in. We have to put this defeat behind us quickly and be proud of what
we have achieved here. The whole of Australia is proud of us. We have shown that we can
play better than the Italians and that we can hold our own with Brazil.
Tim CAHILL (AUS):
We played for our lives. What happened in the last minute was crazy. I feel completely
shattered. Everyone was able to see how well we can play.
Mark SCHWARZER (AUS):
It’s hard to lose such a gripping game through a penalty. Despite the defeat I love
this game and am thrilled to be a professional footballer. We had a great chance to reach
the quarter-finals but we didn’t take it. Guus Hiddink is a fantastic manager.
Australia needs to have a European coach in the future too, so that we can hold our own
with top European teams. In future the world will not underestimate Australian football.
Italy 1 (Francesco Totti 95' pen) - Australia 0
Italy: Gianluigi Buffon (GK), Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro (C), Alessandro Del Piero (75', Francesco Totti), Luca Toni (56', Andrea Barzagli)), Alberto Gilardino (46', Vincenzo Iaquinta), Ginaluca Zambrotta, Simone Perrotta, Andrea Pirlo, Marco Materazzi
Australia: Marck Schwarzer (GK), Lucas Neill, Graig Moore, Tim Cahill, Jason Culina, Mark Viduka (C), Vince Grella, Scott Chipperfield, Luke Wilkshire, Mile Sterjovski (-81', John Aloisi), Marco Bresciano
Cautions: Vince Grella (AUS) 23', Fabio Grosso (ITA) 29', Tim Cahill (AUS) 49', Luke Wilkshire (AUS) 61', Gennaro Guttuso (ITA) 89', Gianluca Zambrotta (ITA) 91'
Expulsions: Marco Materazzi (ITA) 50'
ITA - AUS
11 Shots 8
6 Shots on Goal 4
17 Fouls 26
2 Corner Kicks 2
1 Free Kicks (shots on goal) 1
1 Penalty Kicks 0
2 Offsides 2
0 Own Goals 0
3 Cautions 3
1 Expulsions 0
41% Ball Possession 59%
26 Actual Playing Time 37