Australia 3-1 Japan

Japan was unlucky to lose to Australia in the final 8 minutes but credit to the Aussies for a rousing finish which may indicate their arrival on the world stage at last. Australia seem to be extending their miserable World Cup run when they went behind to a disputed first half goal by Japan.

Substitute Tim Cahill equalised in the 84th minute to claim Australia's first goal at a World Cup then added a second to put his team ahead before John Aloisi put the result beyond doubt with a third in injury time.

Soccer Pundit feels Japan had only themselves to blame for not capitalising on several clear chances they had. Even though they led for majority of the match and had some good movement and passing, they lost their concentration and seemed tired towards the end.

As for the Aussies, Lady Luck finally smiled on them. For the record, Australia had failed to score a single goal in their only previous World Cup appearance in 1974 and had been plagued by bad luck, bad draws and bad play ever since. They got into this world cup by beating Uruguay on penalties.

They may just may make it beyond the group stages, after which, it is anybody's guess.