Into round two the Australian way

Three players 8212; Croatia8217;s Dario Simic and Josip Simunic plus Australia8217;s Brett Emerton 8212; were sent off in a dramatic finale with Simunic appearing to be shown three yellow cards by English referee Graham Poll in the confusion.

8220;It was great. What a great game tonight, you couldn8217;t ask for more,8221; said Australia skipper Mark Viduka.

Midfielder Tim Cahill added: 8220;It8217;s something very special for us all to go through to the second round. It8217;s a very special day for Australia.8221;

Croatia captain Niko Kovac had put his team ahead for the second time 11 minutes after the break with a long range shot that bobbled past Australia goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac.

Australia defender Craig Moore had scored a 38th minute penalty to cancel out a third minute goal by Croatia midfielder Darijo Srna but it was Kewell8217;s late goal that saw Australia advance.

Srna caught the Socceroos napping early with a superbly taken free kick after Australia skipper Viduka tripped Niko Kovac just outside the area.

Australia soon regained their composure and Poll had no hesitation in pointing to the spot seven minutes before the interval when Croatia defender Stjepan Tomas reached up and handled the ball in the goalmouth and Moore coolly slotted the penalty past Stipe Pletikosa.

8211;Julian Linden