Australia beat Japan, making World Cup history
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-06-13 07:34
The Japanese were reeling in the energy-sapping heat and Aloisi made the
victory safe with his team's third goal, evading defender Yuichi Komano to rifle
home a left-foot volley two minutes into stoppage time to send the gold-clad
Australian fans into uproar.
"In the end justice was done in this game," coach Guus Hiddink said,
maintaining that the Japan goal should have been disallowed.
"I think the referee will thank God for the result - it was a clear foul on
the goalie."
The Dutchman was delighted with the resilience shown by his players.
"We are very happy, so let's enjoy this moment. I said to the boys before
they went out 'You're here now in Germany, so enjoy it, but work for it.' They
are so nice to work with."
Japan coach Zico criticised his team for sitting back after going 1-0 up.
"We did not do anything after taking the lead," the Brazilian said.
"We had two clear goalscoring chances on the counter-attack but if you do not
put the ball in at one end you sometimes concede it at the other.
"The way Australia turned the game on its head is difficult for us to
stomach.
"This is football. There is no use in stopping here and we have to prepare
for the next match."
It all looked to be going sour for the Aussies after Nakamura's controversial
goal.
Enraged Australian players confronted Egyptian referee Essam Abdullah to
protest but they were waved away.
Australia were up against it until Hiddink risked
everything to throw on Aloisi, striker Josh Kennedy and attacking midfielder
Cahill and was handsomely rewarded with the victory.
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