A-Leaque Soccer News Australia

Australia made history 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.

Croatia opened the scoring through Darijo Srna's second-minute ripper of a free-kick, which will go down in World Cup history as one of the best goals. After the goal Croatia fell into a defensive position, which gave the Aussies plenty of chances near and inside the box. Australia drew level with a deserved penalty after Stjepan Tomas handled a cross inside the area. Craig Moore stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, the score now tied at 1-1. The balance quickly swung back Croatia's way when Niko Kovac's shot was fumbled by Zeljko Zalac in the 56th minute, the score 2-1 and the Croats could almost taste victory. However Australia attacked relentlessly and put on pressure on the Croats via substitutes Aloisi and Bresciano. 11 minutes from time Aloisi flicked on a cross with his head and Kewell 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.

The final score 2-2 and Australia's next opponent are Italy.