8 Minutes of Ecstasy for the Socceroos

The Soccer Squirrel’s European correspondent would like to leave the match review at, “un-****ing-believable” but realises he must try harder.

Japan were lucky leaders when a cross from Nakamura dropped into the Australian net despite a clear foul on keeper Mark Schwarzer. The Aussies were understandably livid and the crowd was also. Chants of "bullshit" and even "the referee's a wanker" were unleashed on the misguided Egyptian official.

Without exaggeration, Australia was by far the better team, yet for 83 minutes had nothing to show for their dominance and after Japan opened the scoring the Socceroos were clearly going to be pushing shiitake mushrooms up Mount Fuji.

Then Tim Cahill, whose introduction was accompanied with South Park inspired cries of “Timmy!!!”, drove home the goal which brought the Socceroos on level terms. I couldn't see it through the forest of players but certainly celebrated it as though I hit the sweet side-foot myself.

And then Timmy did it again with a shot that from behind looked like it was swinging wide of the post. Fortunately it ended up in the Japanese net via both posts. All of this in six minutes. We couldn't bloody believe it- cue much hugging of random men and women. Then to top it all off John Aloisi waltzed like matilda through the Japanese defence to ink what had 5 minutes previously been the faintest of hopes.

The Aussie crowd were fantastic. Though at times frustrated with the pace of Australian attacks and the distribution from the back, the crowd kept cheering. Everyone had faith in Guus and the introductions of Cahill, Josh Kennedy and Aloisi were the key to the Aussie success.

What a game, unbelievable to be there. In ten minutes Australia went from early casualty to top of the group (with two goals in goal difference too). It couldn't have been more amazing.

Man of the match - Tim Cahill. Two crucial goals is hard to go past.

Man of the match bridesmaid - Lucas Neill. Once again hard as a rock. Bon Scott would be proud.

A draw with either Brazil or Croatia and Australia should make it through. Oh how life can change in 10 minutes.