Aussie sink Japan , Czechs & Italians March on..

1. Australia Vs. Japan (12,June)

Score : Australia 3 :1 Japan
Verdict : Heartbreak for Japan
Key Moments :
a. Controversial goal in the 26th minutes after television replays showed clearly that Yanagisawa interfered when Schwarzer tried to punch away a cross , which ended up eventually, untouched, in the back of the net.
b. Tim Cahill , introduced as a subsitute in 53rd , equalised for the aussies from 8 feets out in the 84th minute , after the japanese back four had failed to clear a long throw in.
c. Cahill put the aussies in lead two minutes later with long range effort and completed the first comeback of the world cup in a dramatic fashion.
Key Players :
a. Cahill : the Everton star was doubtful to even be in the squad for WC due to injuries, was selected nevertheless , only to be left on the bench by his coach, but he turned into a saviour for them after turning around the match by scoring two quick goals in last 6 minutes.


Photo : Tim Cahill celebrates after putting his team in lead in the dying minutes against Japan. It was the first come from behind of the world cup.

2. USA Vs. Czech Republic (12, June)

Score : USA 0 : 3 Czech
Verdict : Fair result
Key Players :
a.Rosicky : Scored two superb goals.
b.Nedved : Controlled the midfield and was behind majority of the chances Czech created.


Photo : Rosicky and Nedved celebrate. Both had a major role in the Czech win.

3. Italy Vs. Ghana (12,June)

Score : Italy 2 : 0 Ghana
Verdict : Fair Result
Key Moments :
a.Pirlo scored from a thunderous drive in the 40th minute, after Ghana had wasted two good chances.
b. Penalty appeal turned down in the 79th minute after Gyan was brought down inside the italian penalty box.
c.Laquinta scored 4 minutes later to kill the game off.


Photo : Pirlo after putting the italians in the lead.

# No surprises in Group E with both Czech and Italy registring solid wins on their way to the next round.
# Australia had a dream start to only their first world cup campaign in 32 years. They are now in a great position to get through Group F along with Brazil. Japan on the other hand face an uphill task.