Australian Kewell ends turbulent week on a high

STUTTGART, Germany, June 23 (Reuters) Harry Kewell ended the most turbulent week of his life on an extraordinary high with a late goal that sent Australia through to the second round of the World Cup.

Kewell, who missed a chance to equalise in Sunday's loss to Brazil then escaped a suspension for arguing with the referee, found the net 11 minutes from time to earn a 2-2 draw with Croatia on Thursday and a place in the last 16 against Italy.

''It's the most important goal of my career,'' Kewell told a news conference after being named Man of the Match yesterday.

''A lot of people have had a go at me and criticised me but those people don't really know me.'' Kewell has been plagued by injuries for the past few seasons and went into the match still suffering from a groin strain he sustained playing for Liverpool in the English FA Cup final, but he played the full 90 minutes against Croatia.

''He is not fully fit, not top, top fit,'' Australia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink said.

''But these games are special and need special players. They might have to suffer a bit more physically and mentally but with these kind of players you know they can make the difference.'' Kewell said scoring the winner also helped exorcise the lingering disappointment he still feels from Liverpool's Champions League final win over AC Milan two seasons ago.

Liverpool recovered from 3-0 down at halftime to level the scores at 3-3 then win on penalities but the winger watched most of the match from the sidelines after going off injured.

''My Champions League was a nightmare for personal reasons but as far as a team performance I don't think you'll ever see a greater comeback in the history of the game,'' he said.

''So on nights like this, I can relive that dream. It's a very big highlight of my career so far.'' Reuters PM GC0918