Keeper relieved after Kewell spares his blushes

STUTTGART, June 23 (Reuters) Goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac said his glaring error would have haunted him for ever if it had cost Australia a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

With the score 1-1 in the 56th minute of a pulsating match, Kalac fumbled a shot by Niko Kovac into his own net to gift Croatia the lead for the second time yesterday.

But Harry Kewell struck for Australia 11 minutes from time to clinch the draw needed to set the Socceroos up for a clash against Italy in the second round.

''It was one of those goals you don't wish on anyone,'' Kalac told reporters.

''When I conceded the goal, I thought 'Oh no, don't tell me we're going to go out on this one'.

''It would have haunted me for the rest of my life. Thankfully the boys kept on fighting and Harry finally got the equaliser. It was a huge relief.'' Australia coach Guus Hiddink surprisingly picked Kalac, who has Croatian parentage, for the Group F match ahead of Mark Schwarzer, who had been preferred for the victory over Japan and defeat by Brazil.

Reuters PM GC0917