Josh Kennedy's best Socceroos moments to mark anniversary of debut

It has been 14 years since striker Josh Kennedy,  made his Socceroos debut in a friendly against Liechtenstein and we've taken a look back at some of his best moments for the national team.

Kennedy made 36 appearances over an eight year period, appearing in two FIFA World Cups.

The towering striker scored 17 goals while wearing the green and gold with the most memorable coming against Iraq in 2013. With under ten minutes left in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifier, a perfectly hit cross from Mark Bresciano was met by Kennedy with the striker heading home to seal a place in Brazil for the Socceroos.

Kennedy appeared at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, but his most significant contributions took place in Germany. In the first group stage match against Japan, Kennedy flicked on a ball that eventually found its way to Tim Cahill who poked it home for Australia’s first ever FIFA World Cup goal.

The towering striker’s involvement again proved crucial against Japan as his hold up play in the middle of the park helped the side grab a third goal and seal their first ever win on football’s biggest stage.

While the arguably most memorable goal of his career for the National team came towards the end against Iraq, Kennedy had a keen eye for goal.

Under former coach Holger Oseick, Kennedy scored an impressive eight goals in five games. The scoring run took place in 2011 with doubles against New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. The other two goals came against Thailand and Oman.

Kennedy also provided plenty of crucial assists. Having already scored a goal of his own against Thailand in 2011, Kennedy turned provider and gave the assist for Alex Brosque’s winning goal.

It was a similar situation in a friendly against the Netherlands in 2008. After winning the penalty for the first goal, Kennedy rose highest to head home what would be the winner in front of a stunned Dutch crowd.

In the first match in front of a home crowd since returning from the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa, Kennedy was again the provider. After having earlier missed a chance of his own, Kennedy flicked a header on to David Carney, who slotted the ball home for a one-goal win over Paraguay.

He would appear in multiple friendlies before the FIFA World Cup 2014 but injury would prevent him from travelling to Brazil, closing out a memorable career for the national team.