FIFA World Cup 2006: Croatia v Australia, discussion thread as it happens

[Anarcho-Socialist]

I'm following this match, since Brazil has already qualified, and I think a Japan victory is somewhat a stretch.

Croatia need a win to qualify, Australia just need a draw.

Kicking-off now.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

1. GOAL Croatia!! 2' Srna

A freekick from outside 18-yard box beats wall and 'keeper.

Australia have their work cut-out

[Anarcho-Socialist]

2. Viduka of Australia is rugby-tackled in the box

but the ref doesn't give a penalty. :shrug:

[ceile]

3. How does Kewell look?

[Anarcho-Socialist]

4. He hasn't played much part yet in the match

We'll see if he gets going. The Aussies are dominating possession and are going at the Croatians though.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

6. Kewell has just had a solid strike at goal, but 'keeper blocked it

[ceile]

8. His playing in the last game

was lack luster at best. I think he's still not quite healthy enough.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

5. Croatia are defending the area between the 18 & 6 yard lines very well

They're blocking almost every shot before the 'keeper sees it.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

7. News from Japan-Brazil: Japan 1-0 Brazil

Bloody hell!

[ceile]

9. WTF!

cool!

[ceile]

10. I hate being at work! n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

11. Australia have a penalty. Croatian outfield player handles in the box

[Anarcho-Socialist]

12. GOAL Australia!! Moore 38'

Successfully converted penalty. 'Keeper goes wrong way. Australia are back in driving seat.

[ceile]

13. Yes!

[Anarcho-Socialist]

14. Croatia are playing with a greater urgency since losing their lead

Australia will need to achieve a greater goal-cushion; it will be difficult to defend their tied score for another 45 minutes under the pressure of the Croatian attack.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

15. Ronaldo equalises for Brazil before half-time. Japan 1-1 Brazil

[Anarcho-Socialist]

16. Croatia 1-1 Australia (Half-time)

[Anarcho-Socialist]

17. It's like watching a Premiership game

Both sides are going out to win, and the midfield is wide-open, meaning the ball is going end-to-end.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

18. Juninho scores for Brazil 54'; Japan 1-2 Brazil

[Anarcho-Socialist]

19. GOAL Croatia!! Kovac 56'

Strike on 18-yard box, but 'keeper fumbles an easy save.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

20. Another goal in Japan-Brazil - Japan 1-3 Brazil

[Anarcho-Socialist]

21. Australia are now changing gear, becoming much more aggressive

[Anarcho-Socialist]

22. Croatian outfield player handles ball in the box...

...but penalty not given.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

23. GOAL Australia!! Kewell 79'

Strike in 6-yard box beats 'keeper.

What a F'n game!

[ceile]

24. WOOHOO!!!!!!!

[Anarcho-Socialist]

25. Simic sent-off, Croatia down to ten men. Second booking.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

26. Emerton sent-off. Australia down to ten men. Second booking

[Anarcho-Socialist]

27. Simunic has been booked a second time for Croatia...

...but has not been shown a red and is still on the pitch playing. I know a certain referee who won't be officiating the final.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

28. Simunic is shown a third yellow card, and is sent off

[Anarcho-Socialist]

29. Croatia 2-2 Australia (Final score) a wonderful result for Australia

A remarkable, extremely exciting match, albeit one with the worst refereeing I've ever seen recently.

Australia are through to the last-16.

:woohoo:

[Anarcho-Socialist]

30. Japan 1-4 Brazil (Final score)

Ronaldo with two goals.