Below is a diary of all games played by Australia in FIFA World Cup 2006.
Last Updated: June 18, 2006
Date Played: June 12, 2006 (Group Stage)
Opponent: Japan
Scorer/s: S. Nakamura (JPN 26′), T. Cahill (AUS 84′, 89′), J. Aloisi (92+’)
Budweiser Man of the Match: Tim Cahill
A morale boosting win for Australia who trailed most of the way starting from the disputed goal of S. Nakamura on the 26th minute. Japan’s defense held strong all throughout the game but Australia made necessary adjustments in the second period in hope of coming back.
Tim Calhill :
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 .
Stud of the Game: Tim Cahill handed the Socceroos their first three points with two successive goals. His play shocked the entire Japanese team and uplifted his countries’ chances to advance
Dud of the Game: I give this to Japan’s coach Zico. Why? Figure it out…
Honorable Mention: Aloisi who scored the third goal of the game despite filling in as a substitute is commendable.
Game Players : Mark Schwarzer; Scott Chipperfield, Jason Culina, Lucas Neill, Joshua Kennedy for Craig Moore (61′); John Aloisi for Luke Wilkshire (75′), Harry Kewell, Vince Grella, Brett Emerton; Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill for Marco Bresciano (53′)
Yellow Cards: Grella (33′); Moore (58′); Cahill (68′); Aloisi (78′)
Date Played: June 18, 2006 (Group Stage)
Opponent: Brazil
Scorer/s:
Budweiser Man of the Match:
Preview: Australia is a very physical team who is looking to rest Tim Cahill, John Aloisi, Craig Moore and Vince Grella in preparation to their last game against Croatie. It is going to be very tough to win against Brazil especially after winning their 8th straight finals game since 2002.
Australia is expected to use this formation:
1-Mark Schwarzer; 7-Brett Emerton, 2-Lucas Neill, 6-Tony Popovic, 14-Scott Chipperfield; 8-Josip Skoko, 5-Jason Culina, 20-Luke Wilkshire, 23-Marco Bresciano, 10-Harry Kewell; 9-Mark Viduka
If they win this game they will be almost assured to make it to the next round.
Recap: To be filled…
Stud of the Game: To be filled…
Dud of the Game: To be filled…
Honorable Mention: To be filled…
Game Players : To be filled…
Game Substitutes : To be filled…
Yellow Cards: To be filled…
Current Squad
Goalie: 1 Mark Schwarzer, 12 Ante Covic, 18 Zeljko Kalac
Defense: 2 Lucas Neill, 3 Craig Moore, 6 Tony Popovic, 16 Michael Beauchamp, 22 Mark Milligan
Midfield: 4 Tim Cahill, 7 Brett Emerton, 8 Josip Skoko, 10 Harry Kewell, 11 Stan Lazardis, 13 Vince Grella, 14 Scott Chipperfield, 20 Luke Wilkshire, 21 Mile Sterjovski, 23 Marco Bresciano
Striker: 5 Jason Culina, 9 Mark Viduka, 15 John Aloisi, 17 Archie Thompson, 19 Joshua Kennedy
[tags]FIFA World Cup, World Cup, FIFA World Cup 2006, Germany, Soccer, Australia, Diary[/tags]
[…] Brazil which has and will always be my number one team is suffering from a poor Ronaldo performance. He is slow and disrupts the offense of the team. In both occasions they almost managed to score just one goal had it not been for a closing goal by Fred that saw them winning 2-0 against a lowly Australian team (Ronaldo sat on the bench as the second goal was scored). This is not the Brazilians we knew and expected to play in this year’s Finals. Judging by the substitutions made by Parreira by sitting down Ronaldo in favor of Robinho in the second half means having Ronaldo come from the bench instead. Without Ronaldo the Brazilian team are a far better unit—faster, smoother and well-organized than when the fat superstar moves around with his big fat booty on the field; or better don’t make him play anymore. […]