With Australia’s new kit for the 2018 FIFA World Cup set to be launched on Thursday, we’ve decided to take a trip down memory lane to examine Caltex Socceroos strips from past World Cups.
There is plenty of excitement as to what the new strip will look like and what the Socceroos will be wearing when we take on France, Denmark and Peru in June.
Australia have competed at four World Cups – 1974, 2006, 2010 and 2014 – and there’s been plenty of memories created at each tournament.
Ahead of the launch of the new kit, we pay homage to some of Australia’s best moments in World Cup strips of the past.
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1974 World Cup – 0-0 draw with Chile
The Socceroos were drawn in a difficult group at their maiden World Cup and suffered defeats to East and West Germany respectively in their opening two matches.
But Australia’s part-timers were desperate to finish the tournament on a high and put in a spirited effort to clinch a dogged 0-0 draw with Chile in their final match.
In a match played in dreadful conditions, a superb all-round display and some fine goalkeeping from Jack Reilly earned the Socceroos their first ever World Cup point.
2006 World Cup – 3-1 win over Japan
“Timmy Cahill has done it again!...what a goal from Tim Cahill!”
Socceroos fans will never forgot Simon Hill’s famous words to describe Tim Cahill’s incredible double against Japan at the 2006 World Cup.
Brought on as a second-half substitute, Cahill netted two goals in five minutes – Australia’s first-ever World Cup strikes – to fire the Socceroos to a 3-1 win over Japan.
John Aloisi’s late strike was the icing on the cake for the Socceroos but Cahill’s double will go down in Australian football folklore.
2010 World Cup – 2-1 win over Serbia
Needing a big win in their final group game to keep their chances progressing to the knockout stages alive, Australia gave it a red-hot crack.
Two goals in four second-half minutes through Tim Cahill and Brett Holman had the Socceroos daring to dream of a remarkable escape.
While a late Serbian goal ended the chance of progression, Australia’s performance was one of their most impressive on the world stage.
2014 World Cup – 2-3 loss to the Netherlands
While Australia failed to register a point at the 2014 World Cup, Ange Postecoglou’s side were widely praised for their bold and aggressive approach.
And that was typified in their second group game against Holland, a match which the Socceroos lead twice and featured an incredible strike from Tim Cahill.
Individual mistakes ultimately cost Australia victory but the team’s performance received widespread praise and showcased the Socceroos’ abilities on the world stage.
Cahill’s spectacular volleyed goal was nominated for goal of the tournament and was in the running for the ‘Puskas Award’, FIFA’s goal of the year crown.
