The five greatest moments in Australian football history
Australia may be on the verge of our greatest football moment in history.
A win against Argentina would well and truly top this list, signalling our first foray into the World Cup quarter-finals with a win against one of the greatest of all time.
Ahead of the Socceroos' most crucial game in recent memory, we take a look back at some of the most memorable football moments in Australian history.
Tim Cahill’s goal and first World Cup win against Japan
We journeyed to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, with the ‘Golden Generation’ of Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, Mark Schwarzer and co there with just one thing on their mind - prove Australia can do it on the big stage.
Advert
And that they did.
Australia had gone 1-0 down in the first half and the Socceroos needed to dig in deep. Cometh the hour, cometh the man - as Tim Cahill scores Australia’s first every World Cup goal.
The greatest ever #FIFAWorldCup debut? ✨ @Socceroos 🇦🇺 were a goal down against Japan in 2006... enter a young lad named @Tim_Cahill 😎 pic.twitter.com/cclrYiGCeJ
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2022
The Socceroos went on to take the game to their Asian counterparts, going 2-1 up with another Cahill goal and a third with John Aloisi netting home.
The game instantly secured Cahill’s legacy as one the greatest Socceroos of all time, and will live on in Australian football fan folklore.
The country celebrates Australia overcoming the odds against Denmark
It happened just a few days ago, but it already has the feeling of an instant classic.
Australia thought they needed a draw to secure their place in the World Cup round of 16 for just the second time, and first since 2006.
However, a Tunisia goal against world champion France meant there needed to be a change of plans.Mathew Leckie stepped up, just as Tim Cahill had done in 2006, with a beautiful solo goal to put us ahead of Denmark despite the odds.
Graham Arnold’s side held on for a historic 1-0 win and entry into a matchup against Argentina.
What a run and finish from Mathew Leckie 🔥#Socceroos #GiveIt100 #FIFAWorldCup
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 30, 2022
pic.twitter.com/6MGAiqrv0D
The celebrations across the country and particularly at Melbourne’s Federation Square prove just how big of a moment this was for Australian football fans.
The subsequent scenes in @FedSquare 😳💚💛#Socceroos #GiveIt100 #FIFAWorldCup
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 30, 2022
pic.twitter.com/Va3ftQgYVa
Asian Cup victory in 2015
On home soil, led by Ange Postecogolu in front of a packed Stadium in Australia, the Socceroos secured their spot as kings of Asia.
After being a part of the Asian confederation for almost a decade, Australia was keen to prove we were at the top of the billing.
However, it didn’t immediately go to plan at the 2015 Asian Cup.
We fell 1-0 to South Korea in the group stages, meaning we finished second in the group and had to go through China and UAE to make it to the final where we once again went up against South Korea.
The Socceroos were on the verge of claiming the title before a 91st minute Son Heung-min goal left us with our hearts in our throats.
But just as Australia does, we showed grit, and in the 105th minute James Troisi slotted home, as the Socceroos held out for a historic continental championship win.
Tim Cahill’s volley makes time stand still
Perhaps the greatest individual bit of skill and moment from any Australian player in history.
This moment had to be included for the sheer absurdity of the goal from perhaps our greatest player ever in Tim Cahill.
The 2014 edition of the World Cup was ultimately a disappointing one for Australia, falling to Spain, Chile, and the Netherlands.
Happy birthday, @Tim_Cahill!
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) December 6, 2020
A perfect chance to relive THAT @FIFAWorldCup volley 🚀 pic.twitter.com/8LQjjSobtr
However, this moment will live on forever.
In the fixture against the Netherlands, Mathew Leckie pinged a crossfield diagonal ball into the box over the shoulder of our main man.
Watching the ball onto his left boot, Tim Cahill unleashed a screamer of a volley that will live on forever.
It should’ve been the goal of the tournament, but at least Aussie fans had one moment from that World Cup to relish in.
THAT Aloisi penalty in 2005
After years of agony and heartbreak, the Socceroos came up against Uruguay in a clash that would decide who qualified for the World Cup in Germany,
Australia had initially lost the first leg 1-0, making the return leg at Stadium Australia even more nailbiting.
However, a Mark Bresciano effort meant we were back in with a chance.
It went all the way to penalties, and the intensity and pressure of the situation was palpable.
Traumatic scenes against Argentina, Scotland, and Iran came to the forefront of football fans’ minds when Mark Viduka’s penalty went wide.
However, a moment of brilliance from Mark Schwarzer meant it was all down to John Aloisi to be the hero for Australia.
🎊 The scenes are still incredible 🎊
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 16, 2021
⏪ 16 years ago today Australia qualified for the #WorldCup for the first time in 32 years 🥳
🇦🇺 Penalty king John Aloisi talks through how history was made @Socceroos 🦘pic.twitter.com/IuMvGHL60r
The Aussie steps up to take the kick and slots it home into the top left corner.
Queue, Simon Hill: “He scooooooooorrreeees.
“Australia have done it.”
82,000 fans jumping out of their seats and millions more at home jubilant.
Australia was heading to the World Cup for the first time in 32 years with perhaps the most iconic moment in Australian football history.
Topics: Australia, Football, Football World Cup, Argentina
Jayden Collins