World Cup Blog

Some great football was on display in all three matches yesterday, and were lucky enough to see 9 games in 3 matches. Quite a contrast to all the 1-0 scorelines over the weekend.

Evertone's Tim Cahill came on as sub in Australia's match against Japan and scored the Socceroos' first ever World Cup finals goal.

Japan had taken the lead in the first half when Australian keeper Mark Shwarzer appeared to be fouled by a Japanese defender, letting Shunsuke Nakamura's sail over his head and into the net. However Cahill equilised in the 84th minute with a lovely 20 yard strike when Japan's keeper went AWOL - cue much jubilation from the Aussie crowd.

The action didn't stop there though. Five minutes later an Cahill did it again - scoring off the inside of the post, only for John Aloisi to tear through the Japanese defence and slot home a third a few minutes later, confirming Australia's remarkable win.

The Czech Republic put on a great display against the USA, the highlight being Rosicky's 30 yard strike nine minutes before half time, and the lowlight being the injury to Jan Koller (although the injury wasn't as serious as it looked )

Finally, Italy took their first 3 points after a deserved win over Ghana in Hanover. The Italians dominated throughout, running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Pirlo and Iaquinta.

Monday's Results

Australia 3-1 Japan

Italy 2-0 Ghana

USA 0-3 Czech Republic