Footballing World | Happy Harry

By Tim Wigmore ⋅ June 22, 2006 ⋅ Post a comment

World Cup Blog

Happy Harry

Harry Kewell, perhaps a little harshly, has a reputation as a good player who fails miserably on the biggest stage. But Kewell’s goal 11 minutes from time saw Guus Hiddink’s side scrape into the last 16 at the expense of Croatia, after an enthralling 2-2 draw awash with intriguing sub-plots. Croatia can console themselves with the [...]

Harry Kewell, perhaps a little harshly, has a reputation as a good player who fails miserably on the biggest stage. But Kewell’s goal 11 minutes from time saw Guus Hiddink’s side scrape into the last 16 at the expense of Croatia, after an enthralling 2-2 draw awash with intriguing sub-plots.

Croatia can console themselves with the knowledge their country’s role in this World Cup is far from over – seven members of the Australian squad could have been playing for the Croats in Germany.

The bizarre mix of nationalities – three members of the Croatia squad could have been playing for Australia – was surely a reason why the game proved so impossible to switch off from. Quality-wise, the encounter was far from spectacular; but, as a spectacle, goals, penalties, red cards, refereeing blunders and keeping gaffes included, it was amongst the tournament’s best games. The only shame was that many football fans would have missed it, given the fact it was only on BBC3 and, mystifyingly, BBC1 opted to show Brazil-Japan instead.

On reflection, the Aussies were fully deserving of their 2-2 draw; equally, few can refute the notion they have been the second best team in Group F. Their fighting qualities, almost more English than England, are clearly key to the side’s success. Especially impressive was the coolness of the Australians when trailing 2-1; they recognised Croatia’s trouble handling balls into the box and, if truth were known, the equaliser had an air of inevitability about it.

The sagacious Guus Hiddink – admittedly erroneous in his preference for Zeljko Kalac over Mark Schwarzer in goal – has been crucial in Australia’s recent improvement, and, for England fans, it is best to avoid comparisons between the tactically blessed Dutchman and England’s finest – Steve McLaren.

But the players must be applauded for their adaptation to a rarely utilised 3-4-2-1 formation – a classic example of finding the system to suit the players, rather than vice versa. Of particular importance are striker Mark Viduka, so powerful in the air and adept with his back to goal, Tim Cahill, who has enjoyed an excellent World Cup and epitomises the Australian mentality with his sometimes over-exuberant tackling, and today’s saviour Harry Kewell. The Liverpool winger produced a stirring performance, was always a goal threat and offered a crucial outlet against the Croatian onslaught.

The reward is a Second Round fixture with Italy, which will doubtless produce another fine performance but could see the back three exposed – especially given the abundance of fine playmakers in Italy’s squad. But, whatever happens, Australia’s second World Cup appearance has banished the unhappy memories of Germany 1974.