After some unsuccessful seasons on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Popovic was back at his home club of Sydney United for which he had already enjoyed seven encouraging seasons in the NSL. 

Popovic's career would take him back to Europe shortly after the Hungary match as he jetted off to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the J-League. 

He is now manager of A-League club Perth Glory. 

Tony Vidmar 

Central defender Tony Vidmar was lining up for his 25th cap for the Socceroos. At 27 years of age, Vidmar was on the cusp of his prime evident in his latest move to Eredivisie side NAC Breda who were gliding in mid table during his time. 

A warrior in defence, Vidmar was months away from joining Scottish giants Rangers. He went on to make 63 appearances for Australia. 

He is now assistant coach to Warren Joyce at Melbourne City.

Stan Lazaridis

An absolute terror to defenders, Lazaridis was deployed at left wing-back for the match against Hungary for his 14th international. 

The 25 year-old Western Australian was settling in at English Premier League side West Ham United under the tutelage of Harry Redknapp. After playing in just four matches in his first season, the 1996/97 season saw Lazaridis break into the first team playing 22 games.

Midfielders 


Josip Skoko 

A 22-year old Greek-Australian was making his second appearance for his country in Budapest, playing as one of two central midfielders. 

Looking at his record for the season you can understand the reasoning behind Skoko's inclusion in the national team.

He was enjoying his second season at Croatian giants Hajduk Split where he made 35 appearances in all competitions scoring 18 goals including goals against Fiorentina and Schalke in the UEFA Cup. 

Ned Zelic 

In Zelic's 21st appearance for Australia he was commanding midfield against Hungary. 

At 28 years of age Zelic had quickly hopped out of Germany and was plying his trade for Auxerre in the Ligue 1 who unfortunately just missed out on UEFA Cup qualification. 

It was Zelic's standout performances in the 1997 Confederations Cup which Australia finished runners-up to Brazil that got him a move back to Germany's top flight with 1860 Munich. 

He is now on Fox Sports reporting on the Hyundai A-League alongside fellow Socceroos of his era Mark Bosnich and Robbie Slater.