SOCCEROOS IN HISTORIC 3-1 WIN OVER JAPAN
The Socceroos returned to the World Cup finals in stunning style, scoring three times in the final five minutes to secure a remarkable 3-1 victory over Japan in their opening Group F match.
Two goals to Tim Cahill and another to John Aloisi sealed Australia's win in its first World Cup appearance since 1974 after it trailed for most of the match to a disputed Japanese goal.
First Cahill slammed home in the 85th minute amid a goalmouth scramble following a Lucas Neill long throw-in to break the 1-1 deadlock.
Then he struck a second in injury-time with a long-range shot which cannoned off the post and in, before Aloisi added a third minutes later to give Australia the best possible start to the tournament