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Australia made its first World Cup appearance way back in 1974 and qualified to play in the 18th FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany after a long gap of 32 years. Australia has been placed in Group F, along with world Champions Brazil, Croatia and Japan. Australia will start its 2006 World Cup campaign against Japan on June 12, 2006 in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Australia stuns Japan (3-1)
Australia literally stunned favorite Japan by defeating them 3-0 in their opening Group F contest in Kaiserslautern on June 12, 2006. Japan was leading the game 1-0 until 84th minute and was looking a sure winner, and then Australian substitute striker Tim Cahill produced a superb equalizer to make the score 1-1. Before Japanese could settle from this undesired late setback, Cahill struck again in 89th minute. It was not the end of agony for Japanese, as striker John Aloisi scored the third goal for Australia in the injury time, finishing all hopes for the unfortunate Japan. The goal from Shunsuke Nakamura was the only consolation for Japan. Tim Cahill became the first Australian ever to score in the World Cup finals, and was declared the Man-of-the-Match for his wonderful all-round performance.
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