Australia World Cup Date with Destiny

Australia have a date with destiny this afternoon when they take on Croatia in Stuttgart for a place in the final 16 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 

After opening their campaign with a thrilling 3-1 win over Japan, the Socceroos were value for money when they outplayed reigning world champions Brazil for large portions of their encounter before falling 2-0. 

Australia (+210* on Canbet.com) only needs a Draw (+220) against Croatia to create history and qualify for the second round. Croatia, which is favoured to win the game at +135 on Canbet, must win to progress to the round of 16. 

Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink has already declared Australia will not sit back looking for a draw. Hiddink said, "This team is going to try to win. It's impossible to be a director of a draw." 

Plenty has already been said about the divided loyalties with seven players of Croatian heritage, led by captain Mark Viduka in the Australian squad while three Aussies will wear the red and white checks of Croatia.  

It will be interesting to see how the “best of mates” act when there can be only one winner and the clock is winding down on Group F. 

For current odds and more information, please see Canbet (See Web Site Here).

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Sports911.com News Wire

Originally published June 22, 2006 12:21 am EDT