Australia 3 Mexico 1 Viduka Hernandez(pen) Aloisi Mori (Earlier :) Saudi Arabia 0 Brazil 3
Either viewed as very unlucky to miss the WC finals, or the team would could not beat 4th placed Asian team, took on WC qualified, top Concacaf and world number 11, Mexico.
Bosnich rested for Kalac, Kewell out injured. Lazaridis promoted to captain allegedly, but Tobin wearing the captain's armband... Poor day for Lazaridis actually, but Tobin along with Horvat were magnificent in defense.
Australia were the better of the 2 sides in the initial 10 minutes, but then Mexico took a strangle hold on the match. Kalac producing some fine saves to keep the score at 0-0. Australia at that stage found it hard to get a clear shot in, but eventually Aloisi had a great chance to put Australia 1 up, but the lunging left foot of Mexico's keeper was all that prevented Aloisi from scoring.
Foster made a great forward and slipped the ball past the Mexico defense, for Viduka to display an unusual amount of pace to squeeze in and toe-poke the first for Australia. Halftime.
With Mexico having most possession in the 1st half, Australia began and for the most part of the second half looked in control. Aloisi scored the goal of the tournament so far, taking on 2 Mexican defenders and then cooling drilling the finish from just inside the box. A goal of which Ronaldo would have been proud.
Mexico made 3 subs, and got one back through a penalty. And it appeared to be the Iran nightmare all over again, but to Australia's credit they fought well in the last period of the match, and more good work from Foster was headed in by sub Damian Mori.
Next stop, Brazil.
W D F A Pts Brazil 1 0 3 0 3 Australia 1 0 3 1 3 Mexico 0 0 1 3 0 S Arabia 0 0 0 3 0