Where were you on the night of 16 November, 2005?
The world’s eyes were firmly focused on ANZ Stadium – the Socceroos spiritual home. On that perfect Sydney night the Qantas Socceroos made history, breaking a 32 year hoodoo by qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Forced into a penalty shoot-out goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer proved the hero with two brilliant saves before a swift left foot strike from John Aloisi sent the 82,698 fans at ANZ Stadium and the rest of Australian into raptures.
This moment is now etched into Australian sporting folklore and established a special bond between football fans and Australia’s premier sports and entertainment arena.
Football is a central component of the ANZ Stadium environment. 88,101 fans witnessed the FIFA World Stars down the Socceroos 3-2 in 1999, an Australian record for a football match was set when 104,098 football lovers attended the 2000 Olympic Games men’s football final between Cameroon and Spain, in November 2007, the match between LA Galaxy and Sydney FC showcased the celebrity superstar David Beckham in front of Australian club record crowd of 80,295 while the likes of Brazil and Manchester United have also taken to ANZ Stadium’s pitch.