Australia Struggle Back to 2-2 Draw and Advance with Brazil
June 22, 2006
The Australians had to wait until 10 minutes from time to come back a second time and score the crucial tying goal they needed, but man of the match Harry Kewell sent the Australians into the second round for the first time in only their second finals' in 32 years.
Passions ran hot, especially in the final minutes, in what both teams knew would be an emotionally charged match. Referee Graham Poll issued red cards to Croatia's Dario Simic and Josip Simunic and Australia's Brett Emerton, who will miss Australia's second round match against Italy on Monday.
Kewell saved the Australians from elimination after a blunder by Socceroo goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac gave the Croatians their second goal 13 minutes after halftime.
New keeper fumbles in net
Kalac, one of six Australian players with Croatian background, had an eventful match picking the ball out of his own net just two minutes into the game on a free kick and then fumbling Niko Kovac's volley to allow the ball to go over the line.
A new man between the posts, Kalac was a surprise selection by coach Guus Hiddink ahead of regular keeper Mark Schwarzer, who had kept put on the gloves in Australia's two other group games against Japan and Brazil.
The Aussies recovered from the shock of a second minute goal off a Darijo Srna free-kick. It was Croatia's first goal of the tournament and gave them a huge lift so early in the match they had to win.
But the Australians regained their poise in the dramatic first half and created several scoring chances before Craig Moore leveled the score at 1-1 in the 38th minute on a penalty kick.
Brazil bring shine to World Cup
Brazil wrapped up their World Cup group campaign in Dortmund with a 4-1 win over Japan, in a game that kicked off simultaneously with the Croatia-Australia match.
An energized Ronaldo finally emerged from his shell to score the two goals that made him joint all-time World Cup finals top scorer with Germany's Gerd Müller's record of 14 goals.
Second-half goals from Juninho Pernambucano, Gilberto and Ronaldo's second of the match put Brazil atop the group and completed their 10th successive win at World Cup finals. Ghana will try to put an end to their streak in the round of 16.
Ronaldo back on form
Ronaldo was all smiles afterwards as he showed he is by no means over the hill or overweight following two predatory finishes.
"The record wasn't my main goal. I just wanted to be there for the team," he told German broadcaster ZDF. "I have been very patient. If you don't have that you can't keep progressing."
The samba stars reacted in style after Keiji Tamada smashed home Japan's opener against the run of play on 34 minutes.
A Juninho pile driver and Gilberto's neat finish within 15 minutes of the restart and a precise Ronaldo swivel and shot wrapped up the contest.
With Brazilian legend Zico on the coaching bench, the Japanese, who needed a win to have any hope of reaching the last 16, refused to buckle under the early pressure from the men in yellow.
Defense can't stop Brazilian barrage
Japanese keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi blocked Ronaldo twice early in the match, but couldn't hold out against the star for 90 minutes.
Japan's chance at an upset came when Tamada lashed home left-footed past stunned keeper Dida after Brazilian-born Alex flipped a nonchalant through ball to him as the holders conceded their first goal in the group action.
Ronaldo nodded in Brazil's equalizer after Cicinho headed on a Ronaldinho cross as referee Eric Poulat prepared to put his whistle to his mouth.
Juninho's blockbuster and then a crisp left-footer from Gilberto on the hour allowed Parreira to send on Ricardinho and Ze Roberto for Ronaldinho and Kaka in the closing stages with the match having slipped beyond their rivals and Ronaldo then claimed his second.