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2002 World Cup - Australia 1 Uruguay 0

A 79th minute Kevin Muscat penalty gave Australia one foot in the 2002 World Cup finals. Substitute Paul Agostino fell after a foul from Paolo Montero and the Wolves defender benefitted after Italian referee Graziano Cesari blew for the spot kick which was hit hard and low into the net.

Uruguay almost held off Australia to draw in Melbourne but Frank Farina's team have the advantage going into the decisive leg on November 25th in Montevideo.

The visitors did their share of attacking in the first half and Recoba came close with a 50th minute free kick before Schwartzer had to parry two of his shots on the hour mark.

But Agostino almost opened the scoring ten minutes before the penalty winner with a snap shot that struck the post with Uruguayan goalkeeper Carini beaten.

If it proves enough - and Australia can defend their lead and use strikers Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka to lead counter attacks - then Australia will qualify for the finals for the first time since 1974 when they failed to even score a goal in their group games in the then West Germany

Farina rates his side as Australia's 'dream team' but they needed a penalty to overcome the South Amewrican side who are still in with a good chance of reaching Korea and Japan themselves.

Uruguay's intention to use Alvaro Recoba as a free striker almost paid a massive reward in only the third minute.

The Inter star launched a 40 metre drive just under the crossbar which Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwartzer needed to be alert to stop.

In a quiet first half defender Craig Moore came closest to scoring with a powerful header that was tipped over the crossbar by Juventus goalkeeper Fabian Carini after a fifth minute corner kick.

Source: World Soccer News