Australia — Retro

Australia 1977.

Australia 1960's away.

Australia had been drawn to play in a tough group in the finals, meeting East Germany in Hamburg, West Germany in Hamburg and Chile in Berlin. Against East Germany, the Australians held out well for an hour before the first goal was scored. East Germany won 2-0. Four days later, Cup favourite West Germany opened its scoring in the 12th minute, added a second in the 35th minute and produced a third eight minutes into the second half. Torrential rain marred the match against Chile and Australia had to struggle even harder after Ray Richards was dismissed for a second bookable offence. But despite playing with 10 men, the Socceroos held on for a 0-0 draw, their first point in the World Cup finals.

This was the shirt worn for the qualifying matches of the 1974 World Cup.

Australia 1960's. Given the traditional importance and historical significance of rugby league within New South Wales it is no surprise that in the years following the War the Australians favoured this manly design as their national shirt. Coming just before the famous internal split in the domestic game, this shirt was the one worn by the Socceroos in 1951 at the SCG when the English representative side beat their hosts 17-0 in a game the Australians tend rather to forget.

Australia 1974 World Cup Finals Tracktop.