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Wednesday, 16 November 2005 |
Australia through to 2006 World Cup finals
The Australian team have qualified for the 2006 World Cup after they beat play-off rivals Uruguay on penalties in Sydney.
Marco Bresciano's 35th-minute goal levelled the tie following Uruguay's
first-leg victory, but neither team was able to find the telling
breakthrough.
Following 120 minutes of end-to-end action former Coventry striker John Aloisi scored the decisive spot-kick.
Uruguay saw two penalties saved by Mark Schwarzer, and despite Mark Viduka's miss John Aloisi saw Australia through.
It is the first time Australia have reached the finals of football's premier tournament since 1974.
"We just can't believe it. We're there. We've been dreaming it for 32 years," said John Aloisi.
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will share the hero status
after saving Uruguay's first and fourth penalties in the shoot-out from
Dario Rodriguez and Marcelo Zalayeta.
Harry Kewell, a first-half substitute, gave Australia the perfect start
from the spot before Lucas Neill and Tony Vidmar also converted their
efforts.
Mark Viduka dragged his effort wide, but moments later that miss became irrelevant as John Aloisi slotted his effort.
Despite the vocal support of a full house at the Telstra Stadium Australia were slower out of the blocks than their visitors.
And after half and hour of seeing his side pushed back as Alvaro Recoba
took control of the proceedings, Australia coach Guus Hiddink decided
to try a change of tactics and bring on Harry Kewell.
It showed inspiration and paid off almost straight away as the
Liverpool man linked play between mark Viduka and Marco Bresciano for
the opening goal.
Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill kept Australia progressing well in an
entertaining and open game, but despite their best efforts and plenty
of possession and territorial advantage the hosts were unable to find a
second.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 November 2005 )
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