The Johnny Warren Football Foundation hosted the night that featured a tribute to Socceroos hero Mark Viduka and the man after which the foundation is named.

Television icon George Donikian was the master of ceremonies as the crowd was treated to a number of performances.

After an opening solo rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone from Tania Murray that featured images of Australian football icon Johnny Warren, current Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek gave his thoughts on Australian football and the upcoming World Cup.

Set to take up a youth development role in Morocco post his helm at the Socceroos, Verbeek said Australia needs improved facilities and academies to continue the improvement of the game.

Danny Marx-Young joined Tania Murray for a live performance of The Beautiful Game and legendary Australian singer Daryl Braithwaite played out a couple of hit songs before Viduka was honoured.

Before his interview, the bubbling crowd relived his memorable four-goal haul against Liverpool at Elland Road before giving him a standing ovation as he took the stage.

The Socceroos captain from the 2006 World Cup took the crowd back to the tournament, including the victory over Japan and referee Graham Poll's three yellow cards awarded to Josip Simunic against Croatia.

And of course, the controversial penalty awarded to Italy in the dying seconds in the round of 16.

"They have to be one hundred per cent sure to give a decision like that," Viduka said of the awarded penalty.

And he summed up what Johnny Warren meant for the game in Australia.

He said: "Johnny Warren was a key figure in our plight, to get this game and show the rest of Australia what this game means."

The foundation aims to create a pathway to elite football for youngsters. To donate to the Johnny Warren Football Foundation, visit www.jwff.com.au/donations