AUSTRALIA–JAPAN: Players' Quotes

12 June 2006

Tim CAHILL (AUS), Budweiser Man of the Match

After the two goals, I felt fantastic. It's an unforgettable experience to come on as a substitute in a World Cup and score two goals. The equaliser was very important and turned the game in our favour. The first thing I did was to go and thank the rest of the team, since we're all like one big family. This is a great start to our campaign and we're ready for the next step on our World Cup mission.

John ALOISI (AUS)
The boys were great. We're over the moon that we won, because we were behind for a long time and couldn't find a way to get back into it. That was probably the most exciting match that Australia has ever had, even better than last November against Uruguay. It was just great, it was Australia's first ever win at a World Cup and I was part of it.

Lucas NEILL (AUS)
It was a dramatic match. We always knew we had the ability but time was running out. I think mentally and physically Japan were very drained and we had a bit left. One thing the other team doesn't have is Aussie spirit.

Mark SCHWARZER (AUS)
We were always confident and put them under a lot of pressure. Tim turned the match in our favour. We'll have a quick celebration then start preparing for the Brazil match.

Yoshikatsu KAWAGUCHI (JPN)
I'm still in shock after what happened during this match. We played great, we led for so long and yet we ended up being beaten. I'm lost for words. The mood of the team is at rock bottom after this defeat. It was very hot today, but that just meant that both teams had to work hard. I have to congratulate Tim Cahill as well, as he was brilliant and turned the match on its head. Now we absolutely have to win against Croatia.

Tsuneyasu MIYAMOTO (JPN)
It's unbelievable. I'm in shock. When they equalised, the whole team got together and said that we had to make sure that we at least got a point out of the match. And then we let two goals in and came away empty-handed. I'm really disappointed.

Alessandro SANTOS (JPN)
Until they equalised, we were completely focused, and then for some reason we just collapsed. I really don’t know what happened.

Shunsuke NAKAMURA (JPN)
After (Keisuke) Tsuboi went off, I got the impression that the Australians had a lot more chances. We really missed him out on the pitch. It was a real pity that we lost. I don't know what to say.

Naohiro TAKAHARA (JPN)
I'm really disappointed. We really shouldn’t have lost. Words fail me.