Croatia's defenders were a bundle of nerves every time Australia attacked.

Though Croatia did have chances to seal victory, there was a sense of inevitability about Harry Kewell's equaliser 11 minutes from time which sparked wild celebrations among the thousands of Australian fans in the stadium.

Kewell has had an indifferent time with club side Liverpool, often drifting out of games, but on Thursday he was leading the charge alongside former Leeds United team mate Mark Viduka.

Croatia played their part in what will be regarded as one of the tournament's most memorable matches, but in the end they were just swallowed up by a yellow Aussie tide.

In some ways their attacking 4-3-1-2 formation with strikers Dado Prso and Ivica Olic being supported by advanced midfielder Niko Kranjcar also played a part in their undoing.

Overwhelmed in midfield, they conceded territory too easily to Australia as they tried to hang on to the lead that would have taken them through to the knockout phase.

They were inviting trouble and Australia's never-say-die attitude provided it in spades.