Australia stormed home with three goals in the final eight minutes for an historic 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Japan in their Group F World Cup match.

Australia's Tim Cahill celebrates his goal against Japan with team mates during their Group F World Cup 2006 soccer match in Kaiserslautern June 12, 2006. Team mates are Lucas Neill (2nd R), John Aloisi (C), Josh Kennedy (2nd R) and Scott Chipperfield. [Reuters]

It was Australia's first World Cup win and their first ever goals in only their second finals' appearance in 32 years.

The Australians looked set for a demoralising opening defeat after they were rocked by a controversial 26th-minute goal from Japanese playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura whose shot bounced in as goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer appeared to be fouled by Naohiro Takahara.

But a double from Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, who came on eight minutes after halftime, and another goal from substitute striker John Aloisi turned the game around sensationally.

Cahill fired home in a goalmouth scramble in the 84th minute after goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi failed to clear and he was on the spot again five minutes later to lash home a volley that rebounded off the left post into the goal.

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