The Socceroos were stunned by a Srna free kick that left 6’8″ goalkeeper, Zeljko Kalac flying into the air and coming up empty handed. But then it was the Soceroos all the way, keeping the Croatian defence on their heels. The equalizer came after great pressure with Stejpan Tomas handling the ball in the box and Craig Moore converting the PK.
In the other game, Japan went up with Keiji Tamada’s goal against the run of play, Alex with a beautiful cross and Tamada heading the ball past Dida. Ronaldo pulled one back jut before halftime, through a header scoring his 13th goal and equalling Just Fontaine record.
The degrees of connection in the Brazil- Japan match. Alex, the playmaker is Brazilian-Japanese and of course, the Japanese team is coached by Zico. Small world getting smaller.
Update: Zeljko Kalac is goalkeeping terribly. Why did Hiddink replace Schwarzer?? Croatia 2 Socceroos 1, up through a pretty weak shot by Babic. Brazil 3 Japan 1.