Australia create history at World Cup...but is it enough?

Maybe its a lack of sleep because the wave of euphoria sweeping the nation is contagious and all I want to write about is how great the Aussies were and how we can reach the finals... but I won't.

Fighting off such euphoria is a little easier when one is as psynical as I am. If you want to read a glowing account of how Australia beat Japan 3 - 1 go here. You'll also find a good serving of over-the-top optimism and enthusiasm, which I wouldn't have a problem with unless it came sprinkled with copious amounts of unrealistic pride.

The match, spectacular as it was, exposed Australia's frailties up front where Viduka had a few good touches but hardly made an impact. Kewell looked tired and uninspired and there was a general lack of creativity. The fact that it took 84 minutes to get a goal should worry the coaching staff because the other teams in the group (Brazil and Croatia) will
a) score more goals within that timeframe or
b) defend better to hold on to their lead.

Australia will have to play tighter against Brazil because they will not waste the half chances we presented to the Japanese on one too many occasions. With the amount of creative talent in the Brazilian team, they probably wouldn't need half chances as they can create something from nothing. The objective will be to get a draw (an optimistic best case scenario) or keep the goals against stat down, so we can go hell for leather in the final game against the Croatians.

Japan were good at times but this defeat signals their exit. It would take a miracle for them to win against either Brazil or Croatia but then it is a World Cup and anything can happen. The ref played a part as well but was consistent in not giving the Japanese a (justifiable) penalty later on. Japan can only hope for a mix of luck and courage, maybe a sympathetic referee and a couple of bizarre own goals by the defenders of the teams they play against. I reckon its karma for all the whale hunting.

All of Australia will watch the Brazil v Croatia game with piqued interest. Can the Socceroos continue to make history at Germany? Can we get our attack into top gear to cause either of these teams any problems? With the round of 16 beckoning, one more win will send us through. Suddenly a team no one wanted to know, has the entire nation behind it. The naysayers are there too, waiting for the fall so they can go back to endlessly discussing rugby, AFL, cricket, whatever, without the distraction of a truly international sport.

As a soccer fan, I hope for a win but as a realist I know I should enjoy this while it lasts. Brazil will be tough, correction, nigh on unbeatable and Croatia aren't going down without a fight. The fact is, the toughest games are yet to come. The question in my mind isn't whether we can make the second round but rather will aussies sustain their love for soccer after all is said and done?

Man of the Match

Special mention and hats off to Tim Cahill. I couldn't understand why he started off the bench when Kewell looked tired from the opening whistle but Guus Hiddink has his reasons and the end justified the means.

I have been harping on about the importance of Cahill to anyone who would listen (and their dog) and feel justified that he came through. He brings enthusiasm and killer instinct to the team and becoming a part of Australian history is well deserved. Wonder if the people of Samoa know that they have a new sports icon to idolize. Check out an article on the meteoric rise of Tim Cahill.

History is made
(Photo courtesy BBC.co.uk)Tim Cahill's equaliser was Australia's first ever World Cup goal. Cahill is the fourth player next to Miroslav Klose (Germany), Omar Bravo (Mexico) and Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica) to score twice at the 2006 World Cup.

Australia is the first team at this tournament, to come back after being 1-0 down, and Cahill (twice) and John Aloisi became the second and third substitute to score at the 2006 World Cup. No other team has scored three goals in the last seven minutes in World Cup history.

Japan, who put out their oldest ever starting line-up at a World Cup, are yet to win their opening match of the tournament. In 1998 they were beaten (1-0) by Argentina. Four years later they were held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium.
(source: BBC Sports website)

- The Psynic