Aussies are wild about Harry as Poll loses count
The Phenomenon draws level with Der Bomber
Ghana are pride of Africa
Azzurri banish corruption blues
—– Rugby, cricket… now football!
In an action packed game, Australia progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup finals for the first time following an exciting 2-2 draw with Croatia - a country with whom they have close cultural links.
To add to a chaotic finale in Stuttgart, three players are sent-off by Graham Poll but the Premiership ref, amazingly, doesn’t dismiss Josip Simunic until showing the Croatia defender a third yellow card.
Needing a win to go through, Croatia take an early lead from a Darijo Srna free-kick before the Aussies strike back with a penalty from Newcastle United’s Craig Moore.
Nico Kovac restored the Croat’s advantage but Australia’s historic equaliser came in the 79th minute from Liverpool’s Harry Kewell.
Having guided South Korea to the semi-finals in 2002, it’s another staggering achievement for their coach Guus Hiddink.
The Dutch maestro is full of praise for the Aussie spirit: “This was a terrific game. It shows why the beautiful game is so exciting but it was his side’s gutsy play that impressed him most.
“This team has a lion’s heart, to fight until the end. They are very competitive; they never give up whatever happens.”
Australia now meet Italy in the Round of 16.
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—– Having come under heavy criticism for appearing, to some, to be overweight and unfit, Ronaldo answers the critics in the best possible way by scoring twice in Brazil’s 4-1 defeat of Japan in Dortmund as the holders finish top of Group F.
The Real Madrid ace has now scored a total of 14 goals in World Cup finals matches, so equalling the competition record held by West Germany’s Gerd Muller.
Ronaldo reveals: “I’m happy I’ve made such a significant improvement, physically and technically, during the competition. Patience is the key word. I managed to stay calm and patient.”
—– At their first finals, Ghana maintain their interest as they finish as runners-up in Group E with a 2-1 win against USA in Nuremburg.
Knowing a victory would see them through to the Round of 16, Haminu Dramani gives Ghana the lead but Clint Dempsey makes it 1-1 before captain Stephen Appiah restores the advantage with a controversial penalty in added time at the end of the first half.
Ghana hold on for a famous victory to the delight of coach Ratomir Dujkovic: “This is a historic moment for us, we are very happy.
“This is a starting point for all Ghanaians, for this group of players and myself. The first time in the World Cup and we come in the world’s top 16.”
Ghana now face reigning champions Brazil but they will be without Michael Essien following his second yellow card of the tournament.
—– While corruption charges relating to Serie A are hitting the headlines back home, the Italian national team put those worries to one side as they convincingly finish top of Group E with a 2-0 win against Czech Republic that eliminates the team rated second in the FIFA rankings.
Italy take the lead in Hamburg via former Everton defender Marco Materazzi and the Czechs cause isn’t helped when Jan Polak is sent-off on the stroke of half-time.
Filippo Inzaghi completed the Italian job with a late strike on his 50th appearance for the Azzuri.
—– Back in Italy, four of the top Serie A clubs are indicted in the alleged match-fixing scandal.
Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina all face relegation if they are found guilty in a trial that will be held as early as next week.
Thirty unnamed football officials are also indicted for sporting fraud.
Juve are the most likely to bear the brunt of a successful prosecution.
The dramatic effect on club finances would also spark a fire sale of top class players, including many of the current Azzuri squad, becoming available on the transfer market for knockdown prices.
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