JAPAN 1 BRAZIL 4 - MATCH REPORT
Report by Pez

Brazil qualified for the second round in style as they improved greatly from their earlier matches to beat a decent but departing Japan side.

Ronaldo forced an early save from Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi after good Ronaldinho play, and Robinho starting his first World Cup match cut in from the right and fired an effort straight at the 'keeper. Although making the early chances, a much changed Brazil side were poor and looked miles away from the side they could be. The strike partnership of Robinho and Ronaldo was proving dangerous, the formers skills were running the Japanese in circles, while Kawaguchi was on hand to superbly tip a Ronaldo curler round the post.

Gilberto Silva almost scored, but at the wrong end, as he turned Akira Kaja's cut back round the post. Ronaldo just failed to get on the end of a rampaging Cicinho's cross, but with the game opening up, it was Japan who took the lead. Keiji Tamada found himself on the end of Brazil-born Alex's pass, and dispatched it beyond Dida.

The action was quickly back at the normal end of the pitch, Ronaldo rounded the keeper but was forced to pull the ball back as defenders sprinted back to the gaol line, and Ronaldinho somehow missed the target. The improving Ronaldo bagged a morale boosting goal just before half time, heading in from a Cicinho headed pass to make it 1-1 as their pressure paid off.

Brazil were again on top at the start of the second half, a Juninho Pernambucano free-kick was saved, and Ronaldo fired wide having played a one-two with Ronaldinho, after a wonderful Brazil move. Juninho was not to be denied, though he needed the help of previously impressive keeper Kawaguchi. The keeper seemed to fall under the ball as Juninho launched in a hopefully effort, at an easy catching height, and Brazil had the lead.

Gilberto (Roberto Carlos understudy, not Arsenal midfielder) then added his name to the score-sheet. Bursting forward from his left back position in to the box, he fired from the angle across Kawaguchi with a wonderful finish any striker would be proud of. The deflated Japanese then conceded a fourth, although there wasn't much they could do about it.

Juan finding himself in unfamiliar position outside the area played the ball to Ronaldo, he returned the ball and found himself the slightest of space, and when Juan gave him the ball back, the Real Madrid hitman bent a low powerful effort in to the bottom corner to become the joint World Cup top scorer of all time, alongside Gerd Muller.

Substitute Rogerio Ceni made a late substitute appearance in goal, and was forced to make just one save from Nakamura, although somehow Japan failed to get any shots on goal from some late counter attacking moves. The final whistle blew to deny Ronaldo the chance of a hat-trick, and to give Brazil a second round chance with Africans Ghana, while Japan go home with just one point.

Man Of The Match: Ronaldo: Came alive after his headed goal at the end of the first half, and although still clearly only a shade of the player he can be, his class was still evident. This was most evident with his second goal, a finish of the highest quality, and one worthy of equalling the World Cup scoring record. Importantly finished 90 minutes, and is frighteningly only getting better.

Referee: Eric Poulat
Venue: Iduna Park
Attendance: 65,000

Croatia 2-2 Australia

The Aussies came back from behind twice in this thriller to earn a vital draw that sends them through to a second round match versus Italy.

It didn't start well though, an otherwise impressive Mark Viduka gave away a free-kick thirty yards away from the goal of Zeliko Kalac, which was buried in the top corner of the net by Dario Srna after three minutes, an amazing freekick. Viduka then should have had a penalty after seemingly been rugby tackled in the area, but they got their reward on thirty-nine minutes, and Craig Moore placed the ball down the middle to equalise.

After half time however, the Socceroos were behind again. A weaving Niko Kovac run appeared to bear no fruit as his weak shot bobbled towards recalled 'keeper Kalac, but the Milan reserve inexplicably let the ball bounce over him as he lay on the ground ready to collect it. A match with an already incredible pace somehow picked up further with each knowing that the right result would send them through, and it was the Aussies who could afford to draw.

John Aloisi entered the fray with half an hour remaining as Australia pushed forward. Croatia goalkeeper Pletikosa somehow kept Harry Kewell's close range effort out despite it being hit with some fury, was also booked for time wasting and kept out the ball, Aloisi and Tim Cahill as they tried to man handle him over the line. With just ten minutes left, Kewell redeemed himself for his earlier miss when he poked home from close range after a free-kick found its way toward him, though he may have been on side.

Graham Poll took centre stage for the final ten minutes, rightly sending off Dario Simic for a second yellow card, dubiously sending off Brett Emerton for a second yellow, and he then somehow managed to dismiss Josip Simunic after his third yellow, seemingly forgetting he had booked him the first time.

Australia held on to claim a place in the second round against Italy, while Croatia go home with just one point to show for their troubles, but with the consolation of having competed in one of the great World Cup matches.

Referee: Graham Poll
Venue: Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion
Attendance: 52,000

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