Australia are back on the world Football stage, winning their first ever match in the World Cup. The game started at 11pm Melbourne time, which was not too late, made easier by a mid-afternoon power nap in preparation.
The game was played at Kaiserslauternin Stadium in 30-degree heat, and despite Australia’s dominance for much of the game looked like it was going to fall Japan’s way. Japan was awarded a lucky goal in the first half when one of Japan’s strikers blocked the Australia goalkeeper Schwarzer and should have been penalized.
The score remained at 1-0 until less than 10 minutes to go in the match, at a time when most viewers would have given up on the Socceroos, as I had. I was thinking that a draw would be our best chance, and considering the situation that would not be too bad a result. Finally, the Australians’ pressure up front paid off, with Tim Cahill slotting one through to draw level with Japan at the 84th minute.
A short time later he put Australia ahead with his second goal, a well-placed kick into the corner of the net. To make it Australia’s day, in the final minutes John Aloisi scored the third goal for Australia after some aggressive forward play to make it 3-1.
It was a fantastic comeback. It was the first win for Australia in a World Cup game, actually the first time they had ever scored a goal at the World Cup. After that performance, I don’t think it will be our last. If luck goes our way, we may even be able to upset the Brazilians, in our next match.
Related Pages: soccer, Football World Cup, Tim Cahill profile, Australia at the WC, Japan at the WC
