A late equaliser by Harry Kewell gave Australia a 2-2 draw with Croatia on Thursday to put his country into the last 16 of the World Cup.

Kewell scored from close range in the 79th minute of the Group F match after Croatia, needing a win to qualify themselves, twice took the lead.

Croatia went 1-0 up through Darijo Srna in only the third minute but Australia equalised with a Craig Moore penalty after 38 minutes. Croatia's second goal was scored by Niko Kovac in the 56th minute.

Australia go on to play Italy in a second round fixture in Kaiserslautern on Monday.

Croatia finished with nine men after Dario Simic and Josip Simunic were sent off and Australia ended with 10 after Brett Emerton was dismissed in the closing minutes.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP