MAMARONECK (New York), June 19: Geoff Ogilvy, whose victory in the US Open on Sunday gave Australia its first major golf title in 11 years, had time during his title run to keep an eye on Australia's World Cup team.

“I thought we looked fantastic. We looked a really good football team,” said the 29-year-old of Australia’s performance against Brazil.

The match was televised here a few hours before Ogilvy teed off on Sunday, and the Socceroos made Brazil work hard for a 2-0 victory.

He was pleased the Australian footballers have been able to make a World Cup breakthrough of their own.

Australia's 3-1 victory over Japan gave them their first match win, and their first goals, in two World Cup finals appearances in 32 years.

The loss to Brazil, although ‘disappointing,’ left them needing a draw against Croatia to advance.

“Not a bad result, now the draw gets us through. That's all we needed to do, stop the whitewash so we could get through,” Ogilvy said.

Ogilvy, speaking at the traditional post-tournament champion's press conference, brought himself up short when he remembered the reputation of most Americans as football-phobes.

“Obviously, I'm only talking to the Australians and English in here,” he said. “But I was very impressed. I thought they did very well.”—AFP