Australia's 2014 Qualification: 5 of the best

In the wake of the historic night when the Socceroos booked their passage to a third consecutive World Cup, let’s relive the five defining matches that made the dream reality. 

Asian Group D, Stage 3

6 September 2011 – Dammam

Saudi Arabia   1:3   Australia

(Al Shamrani ’66) (Kennedy ’40, ’56; Wilkshere ‘77p)

After a highly unconvincing 2:1 victory over Thailand in Brisbane five days earlier, Australia needed to assert dominance on a group also containing Oman. The Saudis had recorded a solid goalless draw in Oman in their opening fixture and with Frank Rijkaard at the helm they had great hopes for progression. Led by Josh Kennedy’s proficiency in front of goal however the Socceroos did enough to record a vital away victory that paved the way for their remaining three matches. It was more a case of labouring a result than playing well, but it’s such games that can prove the difference.

Asian Group D, Stage 3

11 October 2011 – Sydney

Australia   3:0   Oman

(Holman ‘8; Kennedy ’65; Jedinak ‘85)

Prior to kick-off the consensus was that a win in Sydney would almost certainly assure Osieck’s men passage to the next round. But the public cry was for Australia to deliver a dominating performance on home soil. And deliver they did. Mile Jedinak and Carl Valeri controlled the middle of the park while Kennedy was again effectively used as a target man – although such strategy still left a bitter taste amongst some fans. The clean sheet was pleasing – our first of the campaign thus far.

Asian Group B, Stage 4

16 October 2012 – Doha

Iraq   1:2   Australia

(Abdul Zahra ’72) (Cahill ’80; Thompson ’84)

Having only recorded two points from the first three matches of the final stage of qualifying, the Socceroos were on the brink of panic mode in the event of any outcome other than a win. Iraq is greatly disadvantaged in not being permitted to host their home matches – Doha providing a neutral and subdued atmosphere for both sides. It was another lacklustre performance from the Green and Gold, at least for 80 minutes. It wasn’t until Iraq struck that reality started sinking in – we were in real danger. Step up Tommy Oar, breathing life into our predictable attacks and proving influential. Within a minute of his introduction, Tim Cahill equalised from a corner. Five minutes later, Oar put the ball on a platter for Archie Thompson to head home the winner – our campaign was back on track.

Asian Group B, Stage 4

4 June 2013 – Saitama

Japan   1:1   Australia

(Honda ‘90+1) (Oar ’81)

    

Having only recorded a solitary win after five matches and sitting third in the group behind Japan and Jordan, the stage was set for a mammoth three weeks and three decisive games. It all started in Saitama. Osieck’s head was on the chopping block as lacklustre performances and questionable selections had culminated in a horror campaign thus far. But as soon as the teamsheets were announced there was a sense of excitement – Kruse, Oar and Bresciano all starting and would  potentially provide a key offensive impetus. So far so good, but the execution would need to be perfect against a Blue Samurai side needing just a point to book its passage to Brazil. After riding a fair bit of luck in the first half, Australia settled and courageously took the game to the Japanese. Oar’s cross-cum-shot put us in front, Honda’s late penalty brought us down to Earth. Ultimately, a pleasing result for both sides and one that paved the way for a grand stand Socceroos finish in their last two home matches.  

Socceroos dominated Jordan better than Peter Andre ever could

Asian Group B, Stage 4

11 June 2013 – Melbourne

Australia   4:0   Jordan

(Bresciano ’15; Cahill ’61; Kruse ’76; Neill ‘84)

Following the positive reaction after the Japan match, Osieck stuck true to the team that had taken some of the Mickey off his back and named an unchanged squad. The expectation was for a tough encounter against the only side to have inflicted defeat on the Socceroos thus far in the group. From the offset, Australia took control and never looked back. Kruse and Oar were running rings around the Jordan defence, while every move flowed through the creative feet of Bresciano. It wasn’t long before the crowd roared at the Spartacus celebration that became synonymous with Australian sporting folklore in 2005. Kruse was breathtaking in a man of the match performance, while even Lucas Neill managed to grab his first goal for the Green and Gold in a whopping 91 caps. This was the true people’s team and they delivered when it mattered most.