WC Day 4

Italy (#13) v Ghana (#48)
USA (#5) v Czech Republic (#2)
Australia (#42) v Japan (#18)

By the time I write this it’s old news, but Australia wins 3-1 against Japan! Our first ever World Cup finals goals scored, let alone game won. From my completely biased perspective Australia dominated virtually the entire game. In the 26th minute the Japanese controversially scored the opening goal. Schwarzer should have easily collected the ball in the air, but was barged out of the way as he, two Australian defenders and two Japanese forwards crashed together six yards from goal. According to Australian players, the referee has since apologised for that goal, admitting he made a mistake.

With 15 minutes left in the game I had my head in my hands. It really seemed hopeless. With all Australia’s domination of field position, ball possession, and shooting opportunities, they never really looked like they were going to break the Japanese defence. But in the 84th minute a cross into the box wasn’t cleared as a Japanese defender fell on the ball. Tim Cahill stabbed at the ball as it rolled out from under the player on the ground and, through about four players’ legs, the ball hit the back of the net. I admit, I jumped up and down. We needed the draw to have any chance to make it past the group stage and I started worrying about holding out to the end of the game.

I didn’t need to worry long. Three minutes later another Cahill strike struck the left upright, crossed the goalface and went in off the right post. I went wild, as did the Australian team. If that wasn’t good enough, John Aloisi put another in during injury time to cement the win. The combination of relief and elation kept me wide awake for the next two games of the night.

Read all about the Socceroos news.

At 2am the USA kicked off against the Czech Republic. Within a few minutes the 2.02 metre (6’8″) Czech forward Koller headed them into the lead. The US had a few chances, but were entirely outclassed throughout the game and the 3-0 scoreline showed it. So much so that I think, again, the US #5 world ranking is entirely undeserved. Also, I was just reminded of USA coach Bruce Arena’s comments before the World Cup that Australia was just there to make up the numbers. Eat it.

Italy and Ghana started at 5am and Ghana got off to a good start. With Michael Essien in the side, Ghana at least equalled the Italians for long periods and were unlucky not to score themselves. It finished 2-0 to Italy, but Ghana could still get a point out their game with the Czech Republic, and should beat the USA, despite their #48 world ranking. I turned it off a few minutes early and crawled into bed at 6.45 for a couple of hours of sleep.