Aziz Behich's goal the latest in a series of dramatic Socceroos World Cup qualification moments
Aziz Behich's dramatic, late strike against Japan is the latest in a series of incredible Socceroos moments which have put them on the path to the World Cup.
After 32 years of hurt, the Socceroos' 'golden generation' broke through against Uruguay to seal a first World Cup berth since 1974.
Four years on from a 3-1 aggregate loss to Uruguay, Australia exacted sweet revenge, with Mark Bresciano sending the two-legged tie into extra tie, and then onto penalties.
Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Tony Vidmar converted their spot-kicks, and then Mark Schwarzer saved not once, but twice to give Aloisi the decisive penalty.
The striker buried the demons of qualifications gone wrong, before wheeling away in celebration, shirt dispatched with as Stadium Australia exploded.
Heading into their final game of qualifying in 2013, Australia needed just a point against Iraq to secure a spot at the World Cup in Brazil.
As the game headed towards its final 10 minutes, Stadium Australia was on edge, with Jordan's lead in the other group game meaning an Iraq goal could force Australia out of second and into a play-off.
But then the Socceroos had their 'coming to Jesus' moment, as Bresciano delivered an 83rd minute cross to the long-haired, bearded Kennedy, who rose to head home.
After Ange Postecoglou's Socceroos' qualification hopes had dramatically torpedoed, they escaped by the skin of their teeth in a play-off against Syria over two legs.
Having reached an inter-confederation play-off against Honduras, Australia managed a 0-0 draw in San Pedro Sular before the two sides hastily trekked back to Sydney for the second leg.
And it was Mile Jedinak who proved the hero, with a deflected free-kick followed by a pair of penalties giving the captain a memorable hat-trick to send his country to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Socceroos' 2022 World Cup hopes looked on thin ice, as the global pandemic forced a delay in the qualifiers, and then the play-offs into a centralised hub in Qatar.
After Australia edged past the UAE in the Asian play-off, they set up a clash with the more fancied-Peru.
Just before the match went to penalties, Graham Arnold shocked everyone by substituting out goalkeeper Mat Ryan, throwing on Sydney FC 'keeper Andrew Redmayne for spot-kicks.
And it was there where Redmayne danced his way into Australian sporting folklore as the 'Grey Wiggle' bounced along the goal-line before diving to his right to thwart Alex Varela and seal another qualification.
The Socceroos were dominated by Japan in a game they needed to win in order to all but seal qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
But having withstood 90 minutes of pressure from the Asian powerhouse, Riley McGree's skillful run into the box and cut-back was met by Aziz Behich.
The left-back's dramatic, first-time finish on his weaker foot triggered mayhem on the pitch and in the stands, as his goal put Australia on the precipice of a sixth World Cup in a row.
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