SECOND ROUND CLASH - ITALY vs AUSTRALIA

The Socceroos have advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup finals after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Croatia in their Group F clash in Stuttgart.

Srna scored a marvellous free kick to Kalac's top right in only the 2nd minute of the game. Kalac was a surprise replacement for Mark Schwarzer. Craig Moore equalised in the 37th minute from the penalty spot. Croatia restored their lead early in second half, with Zeljko Kalac misjudging a Niko Kovac shot on goal and the ball spinning off the keepers gloves and into the net. Finally, after a string of potential penalties that could have been awarded to Australia, Harry Kewell finished from close range in the 77th minute.

The Socceroos dominated the majority of the match, and should have been awarded atleast three penalties instead of just the one, and referee Graham Poll of England capped off an indifferent referreeing performance by awarding Josip Simunic of Croatia 3 yellow cards, eventually joining Dario Simic and Brett Emerton who were sent off in the second half.

Standouts for Australia included Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill, Vince Grella and Craig Moore.

AUSTRALIA : Kalac, Moore, Chipperfield(Kennedy 73rd Min), Grella(Aloisi 62nd Min), Neill, Culina, Emerton, Cahill, Viduka, Kewell, Sterjovski(Bresciano 70th Min).

CROATIA : Pletikosa, Simic, Simunic, Tomas(Klasnic 82nd Min), Srna, Tudor, N.Kovac, Krancjar(J.Leko 64th Min), Babic, Prso, Olic(Modric 72nd Min).

Scorers : Srna 2nd Minute for Croatia, Moore (penalty) 37th Minute for Australia, N.Kovac 56th Minute for Croatia, Kewell 77th Minute for Australia.

In the other game in the group Brazil came from a goal down to defeat Japan 4-1.