2010 FIFA World Cup

The Socceroos World Cup 2010 campaign had a rocky start with Tim Cahill sent off as Joachim Löw’s vibrant young side put four past Mark Scherzer, leaving Australia with a challenging start to come on top of goal difference in its final two group matches. 

An early Brett Holman goal in the second match against Ghana was shadowed by a controversial Harry Kewell send off that changed the balance of the game. Asamoah Gyan scored a penalty and the game finished at 1-1. 

The Socceroos were however not discouraged and went on to give a brave and thrilling performance against Serbia. Unfortunately goals from Tim Cahill and Brett Holman weren’t enough, and Australia was knocked out of the World Cup on goal difference. 

2014 FIFA World Cup

The Socceroos faced a huge fight on their hands being handed a horror draw  with Spain, Netherlands and Chile in Group B. ..

In the first match against the Netherlands, the Socceroos created some golden chances and put up an epic fight containing one of the best teams in the world. However this wasn’t enough as the Dutch tried their luck from a distance and got lucky when Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan conceded with the final score at 3-2. 

The Socceroos continued to show real and gutsy character in their second match against Chile with Tim Cahill heading home an excellent Ivan Frantic cross from the right for his record-extending 33rd international Goal. The Aussies however fell agonisingly short in the second half losing to Chile 3-1. 

With both Spain and Australia already eliminated for their final match against each other, this was a tremendous opportunity for Ange Postecoglou’s young squad to test out their strength against a side crammed full of players who earn their living from the biggest club sides in the world. The Socceroos almost unlocked the Spanish defence with some good combinations but the Spaniards ultimately took the match.