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Mark VidukaAustralian footballer of Croatian and Ukrainian descent
Date of Birth: 09.10.1975
Country:  Australia |
Content:
Biography of Mark Viduka
Early Life and CareerMark Viduka is an Australian footballer of Croatian and Ukrainian descent. He is considered one of the best Australian footballers in history and has represented the Australian national team. Viduka began his professional career in 1993 with the Melbourne Knights, formerly known as Melbourne Croatia. In his two seasons with the Knights, he was the top scorer in the National Soccer League (NSL) and was twice awarded the Johnny Warren Medal for the NSL's Best Player of the Year in the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons. In his final season with the Knights, Viduka won the Australian championship, and the stand at the Knights Stadium was renamed "Viduka Stand" in his honor.
Performance at the 2006 World Cup
Thanks in large part to his excellent play, the Australian national team reached the knockout stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. They defeated Japan 3-1, lost to Brazil 2-0, and drew with Croatia 2-2 in the group stage. In the Round of 16, Australia suffered a defeat to eventual champions Italy due to a controversial penalty awarded by Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo in the final seconds of the match.
Achievements
Team
- Croatian champions with Dinamo Zagreb: 1997/98, 1998/99
- Croatian Cup winner with Dinamo Zagreb: 1997/98
- Scottish League Cup winner with Celtic: 2000
- English League Cup winner with Middlesbrough: 2004
Individual
- Oceania Player of the Year: 2000
- Scottish Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year: 2000
