It was so near and yet so far on an emotional evening in Munich when Australia showed that, despite a 2-0 loss to world champion Brazil, it could stand tall and compete as a genuine contender on the biggest stage in world sport.
Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink had insisted before his team took on Brazil that while the result was important, the performance, with the eyes of the world on them, was equally so.
Although it may be comfort of the coldest kind, he, and the nation, can take solace from the thought that the Socceroos might have been beaten by the tournament favourite in a fast and fierce contest today, but they were rarely bloodied and certainly never bowed in a match that, had the football gods smiled up on them, would have ended in a draw.
In a thrilling second half Australia, playing in an unfamiliar navy, launched waves of attacks on the Brazilian goal after falling behind just after the restart to a goal by Adriano.
Where other teams might have retreated into their shell, Australia merely redoubled its efforts, and created a number of opportunities which, on other days, would have levelled the score.

Ahh well it was not to be..........

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