World Cup Roundup: Late rally lifts Australians

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — The wait for a World Cup goal — and a win — is over for Australia.

The goals came in a flurry in the Aussies' stunning rally for a 3-1 victory over Japan on Monday. Tim Cahill scored in the 84th minute and again five minutes later. John Aloisi added one in injury time.

"It was unbelievable to come away with a first World Cup win like that," Aloisi said. "It was 10 minutes of probably the most exciting soccer that Australia has ever seen."

Cahill, who came on in the 53rd minute, made an impressive showing for a player coming off a knee injury who has seen limited playing time heading to the tournament.

"It's been one big massive procedure for me to get fit in such a short period of time," he said.

The Aussies didn't appear capable of even tying the game after falling behind in the first half. But Cahill equalized when he picked up a loose ball off a throw-in and beat Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi with a right-footed shot. Five minutes later, Cahill scored from 20 yards with a right-footed shot that went in off the goalpost.

"We have to change everything mentally and physically," said Kawaguchi. "We thought we had the win."

Aloisi found the net in the final seconds from 15 yards after snaking through the defense.

Shunsuke Nakamura gave Japan a lead in the 26th minute, floating a cross from 25 yards that sailed in over the head of Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Italy 2, Ghana 0

HANOVER, Germany — Andrea Pirlo converted a set play to perfection for a goal in the 40th minute, and Vincenzo Iaquinta finished off a win over Ghana in the 83rd.

Italy produced 13 shots on goal to Ghana's four and hit the crossbar and goalpost once each.

"It was the best soccer of the tournament so far," said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

But the win may have been costly for Italy. Playmaker Francesco Totti exited the game after taking a hit on his surgically repaired left leg in the second half. His status for Saturday's game with the United States is uncertain.