silencer
Jun 22nd 2006, 3:15 pm
Australia and Croatia have drawn 2-all in their world cup match, meaning Australia advances to the round of 16 after finishing 2nd in their pool behind Brazil.
The game was an absolute dogfight. Lots of physical play which lead to a lot of poor refereeing decisions for both sides. Both teams gave their all and Croatia looked set to win, until Harry Kewell capitalised on a header from John Aloisi and swerved the ball past a Croatian defender and into their goal to draw level at 2-all in the 79th minute and essentially put Australia into the next round. Kewell was simply brilliant the entire second half having some good striking opportunities which were only denied by the skill of the Croatian goalie, Pletikosa.
The last 10 minutes was a nail biter as Croatia had several close shots at goal, and a player from each side was red carded as the referee went card crazy. He gave so many out he forget that he had already given Croatia's Josip Simunic 2 already and gave him a 3rd before giving him a red to send Croatia's second player off the field. By that stage it didn't matter, the game was into injury time and finished in a draw.
Australia now plays Italy in their next game whilst Croatia bows out of the World Cup.
Goals:
2. SRNA Darijo (2′) - Croatia
3. MOORE Craig (38′ PEN) - Australia
10. KOVAC Niko (56′) - Croatia
10. KEWELL Harry (79′) - Australia
The game was an absolute dogfight. Lots of physical play which lead to a lot of poor refereeing decisions for both sides. Both teams gave their all and Croatia looked set to win, until Harry Kewell capitalised on a header from John Aloisi and swerved the ball past a Croatian defender and into their goal to draw level at 2-all in the 79th minute and essentially put Australia into the next round. Kewell was simply brilliant the entire second half having some good striking opportunities which were only denied by the skill of the Croatian goalie, Pletikosa.
The last 10 minutes was a nail biter as Croatia had several close shots at goal, and a player from each side was red carded as the referee went card crazy. He gave so many out he forget that he had already given Croatia's Josip Simunic 2 already and gave him a 3rd before giving him a red to send Croatia's second player off the field. By that stage it didn't matter, the game was into injury time and finished in a draw.
Australia now plays Italy in their next game whilst Croatia bows out of the World Cup.
Goals:
2. SRNA Darijo (2′) - Croatia
3. MOORE Craig (38′ PEN) - Australia
10. KOVAC Niko (56′) - Croatia
10. KEWELL Harry (79′) - Australia