Since its opening in 1999, Stadium Australia has been host to some of the Socceroos’ greatest achievements.
When you consider Australia’s extremely high win rate at Stadium Australia with 10 wins from 12 competitive games (and only one loss), it is hardly surprising that so many key moments in recent Socceroos history has been at the Olympic Stadium.
With Australia’s next crucial World Cup Qualifier against Japan also at Stadium Australia, we take you through the top five moments at Stadium Australia.
5: Official opening vs World Stars
The opening of an extraordinary stadium needs an extraordinary opening match. Some of the world’s biggest stars came to town to celebrate the official opening of Stadium Australia with the likes of Christian Vieri, Juergen Klinsmann, and Matthew Le Tissier pulling on the boots for the FIFA World XI as they took on the Socceroos.
While the match itself was not classed as an “A” international, the calibre of players on both sides made it a marquee event – and every goal was celebrated with gusto. The fact the Socceroos pulled off a 3-2 win thanks to goals from Ned Zelic and Brett Emerton (plus a Javier Margas own goal), made it even sweeter.
4: Full time against Honduras
While celebration was on the cards after the Socceroos qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup, perhaps relief was a more apt feeling when the full-time whistle finally went.
This was the end of a qualification cycle that dragged on and the relief was evident on the face of fans and players – including the tears of relief shed by Trent Sainsbury.
3: Josh Kennedy’s header against Iraq
If the Honduras match was relief, this match was jubilation. When all seemed lost and it looked like the Socceroos were going to have to navigate the play-offs, Josh Kennedy’s header sealed the win and qualification.
There were wild scenes of celebration on the pitch and in the stands as – despite a slow start to the group stage – Australia had made it to the 2014 World Cup!
2: James Troisi’s winner at the 2015 Asian Cup Final
A continental final on Australian shores played in front of a capacity crowd. This is the stuff dreams are made of. After a strong start the Socceroos needed extra time to clinch the win but James Troisi buried his chance, the crowd went wild and Australia had clinched their first piece of major silverware for the men’s national team.
1: John Aloisi’s penalty against Uruguay
The big one. The shot that changed the trajectory of football in this country. Nothing more needs to be said. Watch it. Soak it in.
CLICK HERE to buy your tickets for March 24's massive FIFA World Cup Qualifier - our first ever meeting with Japan at Stadium Australia.