Australia hero Harry Kewell felt he had scored the most important goal of his career in netting the equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Croatia that took the Socceroos through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Liverpool winger Kewell struck 11 minutes from time to seal a meeting with Italy in the second round and spark off massive celebrations Down Under.

Kewell said afterwards: "It's the most important goal for me so far in my career.

"But you have to remember that we never give up and if it hadn't have been me it would have been one of the others.

"It's perfect for us. We were very confident about qualifying from this group despite what other people may have thought.

"Against Italy, it will be a very quick match, very furious and I hope that we score a few goals.

"I don't think they will be nervous or worried about facing us, but the same applies to us."