The Socceroos remain a huge chance to advance to the World Cup's second stage despite a 2-0 loss to Brazil in their Group F match in Munich.

Brazil has now qualified for the round of the 16 with its second win in as many matches and should now finish top of the group.

But the Socceroos can advance to the next phase with a draw in their final group match against Croatia in Stuttgart on Thursday (FRI AEST), provided Japan does not produce a miracle win by at least two goals over Brazil in its last game.

Croatia could only manage a 0-0 draw with Japan in Nuremberg earlier, meaning it must beat Australia to have any chance of advancing from the group.

The Socceroos produced one of their bravest performances ever against the world champion, matching their much-vaunted rival for most of the match.

Only in front of goal did it turn pear-shaped for the Socceroos, with Brazil taking its chances and Australia left rueing the bag-full it missed.

Brazilian striker Adriano scored four minutes after halftime, while substitute Fred tapped home to seal the match in the 89th minute after the Socceroos had put the world's best team under heavy second half pressure chasing an equaliser.

Substitute Harry Kewell perhaps had the best chance in the 57th minute - striking high and wide with the goal open after Brazilian goalkeeper Dida made a mess of a high ball.

Kewell also went agonisingly close in the 68th minute, whipping a long-range attempt just over the bar.

Midfielder Marco Bresciano forced Dida into a sensational save with 12 minutes left, launching a spectacular scissors kick at goal only for the keeper to pull it out of the net with a diving save to his right.

And inside the last 10 minutes, Mark Viduka sent a glancing header from a Bresciano free-kick just wide, then lofted another chance just over the bar.

As the game ebbed away, Brazil found a second goal when Fred tapped in after a shot that rebounded off the post to make the game safe.

Despite some dubious refereeing decisions which went against them, notably Ronaldo appearing to be offside before creating the first goal, Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink said it was missed chances that proved the difference.

"The way the team acted during almost the whole game, we can be proud," Hiddink said.

"We had two or three good opportunities, but we failed to make the goal.

"Brazil did not have the power to dominate the Australian team. But the morale is high."

Led by an outstanding performance from centre-back Lucas Neill, the Socceroos took the game to the Brazilians in a re-jigged formation which resulted in Kewell, Bresciano and Luke Wilkshire being relegated to the bench from the side which beat Japan 3-1 last week.

Into the starting eleven came defender Tony Popovic and midfielders Tim Cahill and Mile Sterjovski.

But Popovic was gone prior to halftime with a leg injury five minutes before halftime, forcing a complete backline reshuffle.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP