Socceroos taste glory

[Kop66]

By GAVIN GLICKSMAN

AUSTRALIA reached the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Uruguay.


The Socceroos trailed 1-0 from the first leg of the play-off qualifier but Mark Bresciano levelled matters in Sydney.

Australia stood firm in extra time before Middlesbrough's Mark Schwarzer saved two penalties and John Aloisi netted the decisive kick.

Lucas Neill, who scored from the spot, said: "I'd definitely say this is the highlight of my career.

"Obviously it's a boyhood dream, not just for me but a dream for the whole nation.

"We've been dying to get to the World Cup for a long time now and it's become reality."

The Blackburn defender added: "We totally dominated the game but, unfortunately, it went right to the wire.

"Mark Schwarzer became the hero at the end but he didn't have a lot to do. When it counted, he was there.

"Mark definitely wasn't the only hero out there. Everybody involved in the team was fantastic.

"We'll be in Germany and will hopefully bring some nice green and gold colour to the World Cup."

I think it'll be good to see the Aussies there............................. getting walloped

[all_funkt_up]

Aye good indeed to see them there. If they can win their continent and then beat a decent South American team then fair play to them. I for one would rather see teams like them there than Uraguay. Ozzie birds rock...!

Should be a fair old ding dong next summer

Good to see Sicknote didnt get chopped down and sidelined for 6 months. Maybe Harry has something to play for now eh - then again his place in the side is a cert isnt it...

[GETT1NLOTS]

I'm glad the aussies are there. If we get them in our group it will be another chance to give the wallabies a gubbing in world sport. Add to that I dislike the Uruguayan side as they have always been a dirty fucking team and it was good news all round.

[all_funkt_up]

Aye, dont the Uraguayans have one arm or something. Them and the Argies should be shot because theyre all dirty pirates and war criminals

[GETT1NLOTS]

Not sure about shoting them AFU but glueing their football teams legs together and scoring 20 past them seems right enough.

[all_funkt_up]

Pah, you bloody lefties with your 'rehabilitation, relaxation and masturbation'

shoot the buggers I say..................

[all_funkt_up]

here's the bugger - hector castro of Uruguay scoring in the first world cup final.

he only had one arm..........

[GaNgStA kEeKs]

Fantastic of them to get through.

I think its a disgrace though how they have to go into a playoff just to make it as it defeats the whole purpose of the WC for me as there hasn't been a team from that continent in for some time.

I know the quality is a poor standard bar the Aussie's but its still not the point.

Good luck to them too in the finals aswell.

[ONEDUNME]

He may only have one arm but no wonder he scored past that keeper - he's got no fuckin head.

[Kop66]