Australians applaud genius of Hiddink

OEHRINGEN, Germany, June 14 (Reuters) Tim Cahill might have scored twice and received the Man of the Match award but the real genius behind Australia's historic World Cup victory over Japan was undoubtedly coach Guus Hiddink.

The crafty Dutchman kept his cool when everyone else was starting to panic, making a series of calculated moves that swung the match Australia's way.

''Guus makes big decisions in pressure moments and yet again he's pulled off another master stroke,'' defender Lucas Neill said.

The Socceroos went behind to a disputed first half goal and were still trailing with six minutes let when they suddenly grabbed three quick goals to record their first win at a World Cup.

Hiddink rearranged the team's formation and made three late substitutions, two of whom scored as Australia overturned a 1-0 deficit to win 3-1.

Cahill replaced Marco Bresciano midway through the second half when the Japanese were starting to tire in the scorching heat and made an immediate impact.

The Everton midfielder equalised in the 84th minute then put Australia ahead with a second goal five minutes later.

Italy-based striker John Aloisi also scored as a substitute, finding the net in injury time to complete Australia's 3-1 win.

Their third replacement, Josh Kennedy, did not find the net but his influence was just as significant.

A towering striker who was virtually unheard of in Australia before Hiddink named him in the squad, Kennedy succeeded in rattling the Japanese defence, using his extra height to climb above defenders and attack the goal.

It forced the Asian champions to focus on marking him and gave the likes of Cahill and Aloisi the extra room they needed to get on the scoresheet.

SUCCESSFUL STRATEGY ''I think they (Japan) were out on their feet mentally, they were very drained. But we had a little bit left in the locker ... we've been working hard on our fitness the last couple of weeks, yet again he (Hiddink) has been proved right,'' said Neill.

The Dutchman's decision to replace three defenders with attackers and finish with four strikers carried a risk but it was a strategy he successfully used before, notably when he coached co-hosts South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.

Hiddink also took Netherlands to the last four in 1998 but does not expect to do the same with Australia this time because of the limited preparations they have had.

''There is no magic. The only thing I know that works is hard work and a bit of luck,'' he said.

Hiddink's team have already achieved more than any other Australian side. The Socceroos had only qualified for the World Cup once before, in 1974, and failed to score a goal.

It was a minor miracle that they qualified this time, beating Uruguay in a penalty shootout, but they have grown in confidence since then, beating European champions Greece then holding the Dutch to a draw in warm-up matches.

Assistant coach Graham Arnold said Hiddink, who will coach Russia after the World Cup, inspires the players to perform.

''He's brought a lot of confidence and tactical discipline to the squad,'' Arnold said. ''He carries an aura about him because he's been so successful in his career. He has the instant respect of the players, the public and everyone.'' Reuters PDS GC2157