World champions Brazil finished with maximum points. Australia, who had last played in the World Cup final 32 years earlier, made it to the knock out phase for the first time in their history.
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2002 | World Cup Index | 2010
Australia
Japan
Japan took the lead in the 26th minute when Australia's goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, seemed to be impeded and Nakamiura's speculative cross sailed over his head. Australia threw everything they had into the attack but it was not until the closing minutes that they were rewarded, Cahill scoring a dramatic double in the 84th and 89th minutes. A well placed shot by Aloisi deep into injury time put the cherry on top.
(Shane Robinson)
Brazil
Croatia
Croatia set out to frustrate Brazil who had their work cut out and several times might have conceded to Croatian counter-attacks. Just before half-time, Kaká broke the deadlock. The game opened up in the second half but there was no more scoring.
Japan
Croatia
After a dreary start, Croatia were awarded a penalty in the 21st minute, which was spectacularly saved by Kawaguchi. Croatia dominated the first half and although Japan showed more ambition in the second half, neither side could engineer a goal.
Brazil
Australia
Australia set out to defend from the start and at half-time there was no score. Three minutes after the break, however, a defensive lapse let Adriano in to score for the world champions. Australia responded by going for broke and had several good chances before Frederico Chaves Guedes' known charmingly as Fred, killed the game in the final seconds.
Brazil
Japan
Ronaldo, who had looked below par in Brazil's previous group matches, struck twice to surpass Pelé's World Cup scoring record and help Brazil to a comfortable win but they had to come from behind. After their underwhelming start, this was Brazil back in their traditional mode, setting out to outscore their opponnents with relentless and skilful attacking play.
Croatia
Australia
A well-struck free kick put Croatia ahead in the third minute but in the 38th minute Australia clawed their way back into the game after Craig Moore converted a penalty. Eleven minutes into the second half, Croatia's captain, Niko Kovač, restored their lead and they were on their way to the next round. Australia attacked relentlessly and in the 79th minute Kewell fired home from close range. The match ended in farce: Šimić and Emerton were both sent off for two bookable offences while Šimunić also received a second yellow card but Graham Poll failed to send him off until he committed a further offence after the final whistle.
(Shane Robinson)