Green Green Grass of Gold

In a packed stadium of more than 80,000, the Socceroos have caused the hearts of millions more to leap for joy. On this very day, November the 16th 2005, the second leg of a World Cup qualifying match, the Australian football team has made the entire nation sit up and take notice. The result of the first leg in Montevideo was a concern and there was much work to be done. Fortunately, things turned out well. Very well.

Both teams had players who were playing in major leagues and on paper, Uruguay were the aristocrats with a more illustrious history. They had Alvaro Recoba, a brilliant play-maker coveted by the big European clubs. The Aussies had someone of a similar mold in Harry Kewell but he has just returned from injury and not been playing much. In terms of skill and flair, the south americans were clearly better. In terms of spirit and mettle though, the team in green and gold probably edged it. Those were some pretty gutsy displays by the Australians.

Kewell played a part when he came on. His rustiness in front of goal translated into a given chance for Mark Bresciano, an attacking midfielder who stormed into the penalty area and crashed the ball into the top of the net. What a relief! A goal that got them level. But it was scored in the first half and it meant having to defend tooth and nail to keep the lead. An away goal conceded is disastrous, since two more goals would have to be scored to settle the tie. Uruguay came close to inflicting that sort of damage with a barage of crosses. Recoba threatened to break the hearts of millions down under. In the end, fans and players had to wait more than 90 minutes for a result. Extra time was required to separate the teams.

Australia came close many times. They have qualified once in 1974 and went through much heart-break against such teams as Uruguay and Iran in previous campaigns. Now 32 years later the opponent is once again the team of blue from south america. Which history would repeat itself? The tragic disappointment of having to wait another four years, or the glory of playing in the World Cup, which was incidentally, held in West Germany in 1974. The latter is now written in the history books.

A penalty shoot-out was required but that didn't matter. It didn't matter even when the captain, Mark Viduka missed his spot kick. The other Mark, goal-keeper Mark Schwarzer, made two fantastic saves and left striker John Aloisi to score and send Australian fans into rapture. If you want an idea what makes a grown man cry, just look at those scenes on and off the pitch. The giant has awakened and hopefully it has calmed the nerves of sceptics and brought hope to the fanatics.

I can't believe it. Perhaps it's coincidence now that I am in Australia. A huge football fan dreaming to contribute in some way. I want to be a part of the preparations, if not the celebrations. Luscious Green and Sparkling Gold of Australian Colours... It would be brilliant in June. Absolutely brilliant.