Croatia fans gather in Stuttgart - they need to beat Australia to progress, while a draw is enough for the Socceroos

It is the Europeans who make the perfect start when Darijo Srna's free-kick beats Zeljko Kalac after only two minutes

The strike goes some way to making up for his penalty miss against Japan in Croatia's previous Group F outing

Minutes later Mark Viduka is bundled over in the penalty area by Josip Simunic but referee Graham Poll waves play on

Australia get their equaliser in the 38th minute when Stjepan Tomas's handball allows Craig Moore to equalise from the spot

Croatia go back in front in the 56th minute when Nico Kovac's drive is fumbled by Kalac to the horror of the Socceroos' fans

With 11 minutes remaining, Harry Kewell evades the offside trap to meet John Aloisi's flick and bring the sides level again

Further drama ensues in the closing stages as Poll sends off three players, including Simunic for a third-bookable offence

Australia hold on to book a meeting with Italy in Kaiserslautern on Monday, as manager Guus Hiddink works his magic again

The historic result guarantees lengthy celebrations for Socceroos supporters both in Stuttgart and around the world