It’s just over five weeks until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and as part of our countdown to the tournament, we are profiling every Australian player who's been to a FIFA World Cup.
Today we continue the countdown with one of the most consistent players of the last decade in a Caltex Socceroos jersey, left-sided star Scott Chipperfield who played at both the 2006 and ’10 tournaments.
READ: FIFA World Cup: Countdown for the Caltex Socceroos
Cap number: 439
World Cups played at: 2006, 2010
Position: Left-back/left-midfield
Age at World Cup: 30 in ’06, 34 in ’10 (now aged 42)
Clubs played for:
Wollongong Wolves, FC Basel
Best World Cup moment:
Chipperfield was a valuable member of the 2006 squad, starting all four games including the memorable 3-1 win over Japan, the Caltex Socceroos’ first-ever at a FIFA World Cup.
His attacking raids from left-back, as well as his defensive contributions, helped Australia reach the last 16 of the tournament, before bowing out 1-0 to eventual champions Italy.
In the 2010 tournament in South Africa, Chipperfield against featured in all three matches and came off the bench with 24 minutes to go against Serbia.
Australia scored two goals within minutes of his introduction to win the match 2-1.
Career highlight:
While Chipperfield rates the 2005 qualifier against Uruguay as his favourite moment, he also enjoyed plenty of success at club level.
He helped Wollongong Wolves win back-to-back NSL championships in 2001 and ’02, while he won an incredible 13 trophies with FC Basel including seven league titles and six Swiss Cups.
Post-playing career:
Chipperfield has stayed involved in football since his playing retirement, working as an assistant trainer at FC United Zurich as well as opening up ‘Chippers’ Finishing School’ for talented young players.
He’s also interested in setting up a player agency business to bring talented youngsters from Australia to Switzerland.
Did you know?
Chipperfield was named in FC Basel’s Team of the Century, part of the club’s best XI since the year 2000. He beat out Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah for a spot on the left.