Knew': Guus blunder we all overlooked... and pen detail that still stings 20 years on -- Part Four

Australians still recall June 26, 2006 as a wound that never fully healed, after the Socceroos’ first World Cup appearance in 32 years ended in heartbreak. The team reached the Round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history, helped by a comeback win over Japan and a 2-2 draw with Croatia. The article revisits how coach Guus Hiddink’s group-stage approach helped Australia avoid complacency, while goalkeeping stories remain central: Mark Schwarzer, dropped for the Croatia match, returned to the starting XI. It also notes that Australia’s opponents included Italy, a tournament heavyweight that had topped their group with wins over Ghana and Czechia and a draw with the United States.