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Feel-good moments of Australian football

17th November, 2010
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Roar Guru
17th November, 2010
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Socceroos Harry Kewell

Australia's Harry Kewell, center, is cheered by teammates after he scored their side's second goal during the Croatia v Australia match at the World Cup Gottlieb-Daimler stadium in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 22, 2006. AP Photo/Winfried Rothermel

It has now been five years since the face of Australian football has embraced a new profound image. On November 16, 2005, Australians witnessed their nation qualify for the FIFA World Cup 31 years, four months and 24 days after their solitary appearance.

Since that memorable night Australian football has grown to new summits, something we never could have imagined in such a short period of time. The game has evolved into a new dynasty that will forever live in the remembrance of that unforgettable night.

While pondering about that wonderful night five years ago, it got me thinking about the other great highlights in Australian football history. Here is a list of some of the moments which have defined Australian football, in no particular order.

– November 16, 2005 the Socceroos triumph over Uruguay to reach their first FIFA World Cup in 31 years:

This night will forever live in the memory of football in Australia, the Socceroos second leg fixture against the South American powerhouse Uruguay. When John Aloisi beat the Uruguayan shot stopper Fabián Carini from the spot kick the jubilation, feeling, joy and the relief of finally qualifying for the FIFA World Cup after 31 long painful years of heart-breaking campaigns had been put to an ultimate finale. This was the day football changed in this country.

Australia was now recognised as a serious football nation competing against the best. Johnny Warren’s famous “I told you so” quote will forever live in the hearts of football fanatics. Many believe this was Australia’s greatest football moment and possibly our most memorable in our well credentialed sporting history. I’ll leave that for you to debate.

– Tim Cahill magic guides the Socceroos to their first World Cup Finals victory:

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The Socceroos home coming to the World Stage in 2006 was against Japan, one of the powerhouse Asian nations whom Australia is starting to grow a fierce rivalry with. After controversially going down 1-0 through a dubious refereeing decision on Mark Schwarzer, the Socceroos fought back in the last 10 minutes to secure the 3-1 victory. After Tim Cahill scored Australia’s first historic goal in the World Cup Finals, he backed up with a brilliant solo effort to score his second goal from the edge of the 18-yard box.

The words echoed by Simon Hill, “Cahill, Cahill…ohh Tim Cahill has done it again, what a goal by Tim Cahill” will forever be a memory that will live within Australian sporting history. This truly was a magnificent day for Australian football; the manner in how we secured victory after such a long wait between drinks at a World Cup was like a fairy tale in the making.

– Harry Kewell scores the equaliser against Croatia to steer Australia into the Round of 16 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup:

The goal may have been marginally offside, but who cares? Marco Bresciano curling left foot cross somehow through a raft of players finds Harry Kewell, who slots it in from the six-yard box. The golden boy of Australian football had just equalised in the 79th minute to make it 2-2 and consequently guide Australia into the round of 16 to face the eventual champions Italy. There was a great deal of pressure on Kewell to deliver the goods for his country, and he did just that in majestic Harry fashion.

– Australia given the green light to move into the Asian Football Confederation:

January 1, 2006 was a significant day for Australian football. Australia was officially recognised as an Asian football nation leaving behind the sub-par Oceania Football Confederation. With the move into Asia it has been evident that Australia has gained many inroads.

World Cup qualification seems to be much more balanced and fair with the group phases, there are an abundance of International fixtures, an influx of competitions to compete in like the Asian Cup, Champions League and in addition other continental Cups for representative teams. The level of professionalism has stepped up a notch as the demands in Asia are much higher; this in turn has helped football progress forward to a much higher standard.

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– The 1974 Socceroos qualify for their first ever FIFA World Cup:

This may not be the most popular or recalled qualifying campaign when reminiscing about our football history. Nonetheless, it is just as historic. Jimmy Mackay secured World Cup qualification with a spectacular goal to defeat South Korea 1-0 in Hong Kong. Rale Rasic’s (1974 Socceroos coach) men are an inspiration. They were amateurs who occupied full-time employment. Football was just an avenue away from their daily lives; it was a passion and love that they held within their hearts. Qualifying for the World Cup with the limited resources available was extraordinary. The Socceroos first World Cup appearance in West Germany will eternally be remembered.

– Australia qualifies for two consecutive FIFA World Cups:

It may not have been as glamorous or as break taking as the last qualifying campaign in 2005, nonetheless Pim Verbeek’s men should still be congratulated for their efforts in the last phase of the Asian World Cup qualifying campaign. The Socceroos only needed an away draw in Doha, Qatar to secure qualification, and it was done in unspectacular fashion courtesy to a 0-0 draw with two games remaining.

The second consecutive World Cup appearance was a clear statement to the world about Australia’s serious football credentials. June 6, 2009 might not be as memorable; however it is still an important date in the history of our football adventure.

– The Matildas reaching the quarter-final of the 2007 Women’s FIFA World Cup:

After all the hype and success surrounding the Socceroos World Cup campaign the previous year, it was time for the girls to shine, and so they did. A Cheryl Salisbury equaliser in the dying minutes ensured a draw against Canada and a birth in the quarter-final. The Matildas bowed out 3-2 to Brazil; however they won over many pundits for their exciting brand of football.

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– The Matildas winning the 2010 Women’s Asian Cup in China:

This was the first piece of major silverware won by an Australian representative team in any formal competition. Playing the highly credentialed North Korean outfit, the Matildas had the scores locked at 1-1 after the 90 minutes and extra time. Kyah Simon, the 18 year old substitute slotted home the winning penalty to win the penalty shoot-out and claim the Asian Cup. This inspiring victory in monsoonal conditions demonstrated to the world just how far women’s football has progressed in the land down under.

– The Socceroos defeat England 3-1 at their own game:

On a cold winter’s night at Upton Park, London the Socceroos did the unthinkable; humiliate England on their own turf in a football match. A star studded England outfit featuring the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and a youthful Wayne Rooney were left stunned. A Tony Popovic header followed by some Harry Kewell magic made the scoreline 2-0 at the interval. Currently at Newcastle Jets, striker Francis Jeffers pulled a goal back after the break before Brett Emerton dealt the final blow in the coffin with a fine finish in the 84th minute. England may claim bragging rights over their football prowess; however we can have the last laugh.

– The birth of “new football”, the A-League:

The A-League inauguration in August 2005 re-branded football in this nation from “old soccer” towards “new football”. Under guidelines from the Crawford Report in 2003 the game was revolutionised to new heights. In comparison to the now defunct National Soccer League, the A-League has experienced an influx of mainstream media coverage, an increase in crowd numbers, a powerful link amongst the Asian market, a new profound professionalism amongst clubs, additional funding and resources available to clubs and a healthy respect amongst people within the sporting community.

– Adelaide United reach the final of the AFC Champions League and represented Australia at the World Club Cup:

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To put it simply, Adelaide were inspirational in their brilliant journey throughout this Champions League campaign in 2008. It was a true reflection on just how far football had come in Australia. Adelaide went on a stunning run defeating some of the highest calibre teams in Asia, including Pohang Steelers (South Korea), Kashima Antlers (Japan) and Bunyodkor (Uzbekistan). Although Adelaide fell short in the final to Gamba Osaka (Japan), it simply told us that Australian football can compete with the best in Asia.

– South Melbourne crowned Oceania club of the 20th century:

In May 2010, South Melbourne accepted the award at an enchanting event held in London alongside powerhouse clubs in the vein of Real Madrid and Penarol, whom are the most successful clubs in their relevant confederations. Although the media publicity may not have been as immense like South Melbourne rightly deserved, this is an admirable achievement which signifies how greatly the club has contributed towards Australian football over the many decades.

There were various other proud moments which have had a positive effect on Australian football. Specifically, Archie Thompson scoring a world record 13 goals in a Senior International fixture against American Samoa, in addition Australia consequently set another world record for the biggest win, 31-0. As well, Sydney FC and South Melbourne qualified and played in the World Club Cup respectively, David Beckham’s appearance for LA Galaxy in Sydney, Melbourne Victory setting new benchmarks for Australian football attendance figures and various other events.

With a great deal of anticipation, December 2, 2010 could become the most memorable moment yet. Australia being awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, now wouldn’t that be a dream come true!

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