Australia first attempted to qualify for the FIFA World Cup ahead of England 1966, but fell to DPR Korea, losing 9-2 on aggregate. They came much closer to qualifying for the following tournament, but fell at the final hurdle, before finally making their debut in 1974. the-AFC.com looks back at the Socceroos' greatest World Cup moments.
2006: First goal, first win
Prior to joining the AFC, Australia qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup as OFC champions after defeating Uruguay in the Inter-Confederation Play-off. The Socceroos were pitted against reigning World Champions Brazil, Croatia and 2004 Asian Champions Japan in Group F.
In front of 46,000 fans in the German city of Kaiserslautern, Australia's first fixture against Japan saw them fall behind halfway through the opening period after Shunsuke Nakamura's cross found its way past goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. The Socceroos had to wait until the final six minutes to get back into the game as Tim Cahill pounced on a loose ball inside the Japanese penalty box and netted the nation's first-ever World Cup goal to bring them level.
Cahill was not finished yet, as he added his second of the afternoon just one minute before the end of 90 minutes. The number 4 was set up by John Aloisi to fire a curled effort that nestled into the back of the net via the woodwork.
Two minutes into added time Aloisi sealed Australia's historic first-ever World Cup victory after a fine solo effort. The win against Japan set up the foundation for Guus Hiddink's men to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history as another memorable moment followed for the Socceroos.
2006: Kewell fires Socceroos into last 16
Having already broken their FIFA World Cup duck and bagged their first win in the competition, morale was high in the Socceroos' camp, but they were brought down to earth with a humbling 2-0 reversal at the hands of Brazil days later. A result that reminded everyone that qualifying for the knockout stages would be anything but straightforward.
Australia then faced Croatia in Stuttgart, needing a single point in their final decisive group match to progress. Defender Darijo Srna gave the Eastern Europeans an early lead, curling in a free-kick inside two minutes. Craig Moore equalised in the 38th minute, slotting home from the spot to send the two teams into the break level.
The Socceroos found themselves behind again 11 minutes into the second half after Niko Kovac beat goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac from distance. With just over 10 minutes of normal time to play, the ball fell to Harry Kewell inside the six-yard box, and the winger fired home to write his name in the history books, sealing the all-important draw that fired Australia into the round of 16 for the first team in their history.
2014: Tim Cahill screamer vs Netherlands
Australia were drawn into the ‘Group of Death’ at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, along with 2010 finalists Netherlands and Spain as well as Chile. A 3-1 loss to Chile in the opening match set the tone for a tournament in which the Socceroos would end up with no points, but their thrilling 2-3 loss to Netherlands in the second match will be fondly remembered by many Australian fans.
Seconds after falling behind to an Arjen Robben goal, a long ball was launched diagonally up the field as Cahill made a run into the Netherlands box, and the experienced attacker let the ball fall across his body before firing a thunderous left-footed volley that looped over Jasper Cillessen and smashed the crossbar on its way in.
The veteran striker's fifth World Cup goal was the highlight of the Socceroos' most recent campaign and will be remembered as one of the best goals of the 20th edition of the global event.
Photos: Getty Images
