En tous cas, bravo à l'Australie pour leur superbe qualification pour les 8ème de finale.
ITALY NEXT AND THEN THE WORLDTOM SMITHIES
24jun06
THEY ARE the storm troopers who have set the World Cup ablaze.
After fighting their way into the second round of the finals, the Socceroos yesterday declared: Bring on the rest.
The 2-2 draw with Croatia in Stuttgart, after a game of tragedy, elation, despair and salvation, means Australia now faces Italy in the round of 16 on Tuesday morning.
The gold-shirted stars insist winning is a realistic ambition. A wave of appreciation for what is one of Australia's greatest sporting achievements washed from Germany to Australia, bathing seas of supporters gathered in hotels and clubs around the country.
In Adelaide, more than two thousand fans flooded city streets after the game.
The early start and wintry weather did not deter the crowds, who paraded through the city and ended up on the steps of Parliament House.
Police closed off Rundle and Hindley streets for the celebrations. Before the game, the Stag and the Rosemont hotels were turning away people and the Marble Bar at Skycity was full. Suburban hotels and clubs, including the Croatian Sports Centre, also had good crowds. Back in Stuttgart and fresh from "scoring the most important goal of my career" - the second equaliser that clinched Australia a place in the next round -
Harry Kewell said: "
Italy are out there to win the World Cup. So are we."
The incredible ambition, which weeks ago would have made us a laughing stock, came after the most remarkable comeback coach Guus Hiddink could have scripted.
Driven on by what Lucas Neill called "that Aussie spirit", the Socceroos proved how far they have come with a rip-roaring display. Even a calamitous error by goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac that gifted Croatia its second goal could not down them.
Now Australia faces Italy in Kaiserslautern and, after all the concentration on the team members with Croatian heritage, it is the turn of Italian-based Vince Grella and Marco Bresciano to come under the cultural spotlight.
With the plaudits of the Croatian players ringing in their ears, several saying Australia could win the Cup, the Socceroos believe they can provide more shocks.
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au