Friday, 23 June , 2006  08:05:00



TONY EASTLEY: Our Europe Correspondent, Rafael Epstein, was at the match in Stuttgart. He joins us now.



Rafael Epstein, what was the atmosphere like in that stadium?



RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Well, 52,000 people, Tony, and I tell you, you could hear every single one of them. In the city earlier it seemed like the Croatians outnumbered the Aussies, but the roar at the end of that game, I've never actually witnessed anything like that at any sort of sporting event.



And really both sides were lifted by some incredibly electric moments.



But the Australians had real moments of despondency as well, especially when their own keeper, Zeljko Kalac, fumbled that ball in the second half - they were really downhearted.



But then at the end, ecstatic adulation directed towards the players who gathered on the pitch to soak it all up.



TONY EASTLEY: Guus Hiddink's tactics, of course, as coach paid off. But he did spring a surprise by not putting Mark Schwarzer in as goalkeeper.



What did he have to say after the game?



RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Look, he has said this before, that he's worried by the way that Australia begins its matches, that they're not focussed, they're not sharp.



But he says he always has faith the team has enormous mental power that they can come back. And he's always still, though, criticised the way that Australia begins its matches.



GUUS HIDDINK: I think we started sloppy. We got a goal against us, and it happens a lot of times against us ... for the Australian team to be sloppy in the first part of the game.



We had possession, and we lost the ball rather easily in the first minute. And the free kick was beautifully taken, beautiful free kick. And that means that the game is open, and for us we have to go for a goal.



We did. I think at that time the team played very well after the goal. We could put the pressure on them. We could have almost a full pressure on their half.



And I think at that time we played very modern way of football. And that was good to see.



And then we knew playing like that you can just get the score also.



Second half, yeah, a little bit starting again, with some sloppy things defensively.



And we got two-one down. And then again, then you're talking about what we aim bringing in players who can make difference and take risks, but always in an attacking way.



I think we did, we managed to do so. And I think that's a compliment, big compliment for the team, which has a lion's heart.



REPORTER: In Australia, tens of thousands are going mad at this moment. Is there any time for the team ... I'm here, sorry. Is there any time for the time to have a little celebration, or is it straight going to the preparation for the ...



GUUS HIDDINK: I think it's a little bit too far to fly over there tonight and be back tomorrow morning for training. I think we cannot do that, because I'd like to train tomorrow afternoon.



If we were in Holland or something like that it would be possible in one hour, but ...



No, it's ?I know it is lovely to hear that whole Down Under is getting crazy about this result and the way the players perform.



It just also was already before the game. And I think today and, because it's today already, Friday, the work presence, the work rate will be very low in Australia.



(sound of laughter)



So it's damaging a little bit the Australian economy.



TONY EASTLEY: A time there for a little joke from the coach Guus Hiddink, who today, of course, is a richer and a very relieved man.



Our Europe Correspondent Rafael Epstein is on the line.



Rafael Epstein, the star midfielder, who of course could have so easily missed this match, turned out to be Australia's golden boy in the end.



RAFAEL EPSTEIN: Yes, Harry Kewell's the number one player amongst the plans. You see number 10 on the back of their shirts more than any other.



But that FIFA (Federation of International Football Associations ) inquiry after his conduct straight after the Brazil match meant that he might not have been here.



And there's often been criticism of Harry Kewell, saying he doesn't produce his best in international matches. And a lot of people have been saying he had to produce in this match, the match to take Australia through into territory that it's never been to before.



And this is what Guus Hiddink had to say:



GUUS HIDDINK: Before the game, in the last days, of course you're thinking, I'm thinking how to bring Harry, because everyone knows he's not top-top game fit, not top-top shape, and then you can bring him later on in the game, as we did several times.



Also, I think these games are special. And these games need special players, because the special players can make the difference. And then they have to suffer a little bit more, physically, mentally, to get the job done. And that's why I didn't consider to take Harry off, because I knew, and he did astonishingly well also in his defensive work.



You can, with these kind of players, you know they can make the difference. You don't have to expect it from other type of players, but these type of players they must be on the right moment on the right spot, which he proved.



So I didn't consider taking him off, waiting for one or two moments.



TONY EASTLEY: Socceroos' coach, Guus Hiddink.