Socceroos break 32 year hoodoo at ANZ Stadium
The Qantas Socceroos made history at ANZ Stadium on 16 November 2005, breaking a 32 year hoodoo by qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. The historic moment at ANZ Stadium came in the most dramatic style possible – a victory over Uruguay in a penalty shootout in front of 82,698 absolutely delirious fans. The second leg at ANZ Stadium finished 1-0 to the Socceroos after a tug of war spanning 90 minutes of normal time and two 15 minutes halves of extra time. In the shootout, Socceroo keeper Mark Schwarzer was the saviour making two saves.
By the time John Aloisi coolly placed his penalty kick past Uruguay’s goalkeeper Fabio Carini, the pulsating contest had stretched almost three hours. The last time Australia had qualified was in 1974 when the host nation was West Germany. The “Uruguay game” has now entered Australian sporting folklore and established a special bond between football fans and Australia’s premier sports and entertainment arena.
The relationship has always been close. The Socceroos featured in the official opening of the Stadium on 12 June 1999 when the FIFA World Stars prevailed 3-2 in front of 88,101. Since then ANZ Stadium has hosted many prestigious football fixtures, including the 2000 Olympic Games men’s football final between Cameroon and Spain.
The 104,098 attendance remains an Australian record for football.
In November 2007, the match between LA Galaxy and Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium showcased the celebrity superstar David Beckham. The 80,295 attendance remains an Australian record for a club football game.
Brazil and Manchester United have graced the majestic surrounds at ANZ Stadium.
In all, ANZ Stadium has hosted nine major football fixtures to January 2007 for an aggregate attendance of 617,719 and an average of 68,635. The Qantas Socceroos recorded another victory on the road to 2010 World Cup qualification as they beat Uzbekistan 2-0 on Wednesday 1 April, 2009.
The Socceroos play Bahrain on Wednesday 10 June, 2009 at ANZ Stadium in what promises to be another blockbuster 2010 World Cup Asian Qualifier.
