Japan's goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (L1) heads for the ball with Australia¡¯s forward Joshua Kenndy during the first round match of the World Cup 2006 Group F at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern, Germany, June 12, 2006. Australia defeated Japan 3-1. (Xinhua photo)

KAISERSLAUTERN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Substitutes made it for Australia as the Socceroos scored three late goals to beat Japan 3-1 in their opening first World Cup Group F tie on Monday.

    Tim Cahill who came on in the second half turned around the table with two superb goals. Another substitute John Aloisi put the icings on the cake in the injury time when he hit home Australia's third goal.

    Japan talisman Shunsuke Nakamura put Japan 1-0 forward in the 26th minute with a lob.

    Japan's coach Zico admitted his side paid the price for losing their concentration as they surrendered the 1-0 lead to lose.

    The former Brazilian superstar claimed the heat in Kaiserlautern played a crucial role in his side's defeat.

    Zico said: "We wasted a great opportunity. We had our chances but it was so hot today it didn't help.

    "It was 38 degrees but we lost concentration at a critical point and it cost us."

    Australia coach Guus Hiddink claimed "justice had been done" after his side triumphed.

    Hiddink was unhappy with Japan's goal, scored by Shunsuke Nakamura after Atsushi Yanagisawa had collided with Australia keeper Mark Schwarzer.

    "In the end justice was done in this game," Hiddink said.

    "I think the referee will thank God for the result - it was a clear foul on the goalie."

    Dutchman Hiddink was delighted with the resilience shown by his players.

    "This team is nice to work with because they never give up," he said.

    Everton midfielder Tim Cahill, who inspired Australia's victory by scoring their first two goals, said the win was a "dream come true".

    "Just being a part of this World Cup means everything to all of us," he said.

    "To get the goals is the icing on the cake. We look to moments like these from when we were kids dreaming of this situation.

    "I'm just really happy to be part of it," he added. Enditem