Proud Aussies refuse to yield

THE most pulsating, dramatic, heart-stopping contest of a thrilling World Cup ended with Australia booking a last-16 meeting with Italy. Harry Kewell’s 79th-minute angled drive sent the Socceroos bouncing into the knockout phase for the first time in their history.

Yet the mere scoreline does not even start to get close to explaining the story behind a truly extraordinary game which Australia ended with 10 men and Croatia nine. Twice Australia were forced to come from behind to grab the precious point they so desperately required after conceding initially in the second minute, then at the start of the second period following a mistake to rank up with any the competition had ever seen from keeper Zeljko Kalac.

Yet, showing the same pugnacious spirit which has seen them become champion at so many sports, Australia refused to lie down.