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2006 FIFA World Cup Final - Australia v Brazil - Re-writing Socceroos History - A walk through old FIFA Games

Australia finished atop the table of the OFC Nations Cup, which included a 4-1 victory over Tahiti - but Tahiti surprised the world with a 2-1 victory in Pirae. Australia must win their home leg in Sydney, but crucially have an away goal in their pocket.

The winner of the OFC Nations Cup Final will also go on to represent the OFC at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany, prior to the OFC World Cup Qualifying Playoff.

Australia will face Tahiti again over two legs after the FIFA Confederations Cup - with Australia hosting the first leg - and the winner advancing to the CONMEBOL-OFC Playoff for the final 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification spot.

16 April @ 7pm AEST
 
Australia were able to turn the tables back over Tahiti after their shock first leg loss, to record a 3-2 victory on aggregate to win the 2004 OFC Nations Cup.

As winners of the OFC Nations Cup, the Socceroos will also go on to represent the OFC at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany, prior to the OFC World Cup Qualifying Playoff, but first they'll prepare with a series of Friendlies both home and abroad - with Bulgaria first up in London.
Australia v Bulgaria - 18 April @ 6am AEST


Earlier in the year, with the release of the Crawford Report, Soccer Australia has been wound up, with the Australian Soccer Association now forming the governing body for soccer in Australia.

One of the Australian Soccer Association first point of orders was to explore a move out of the Oceanian Football Confederation, into the Asian Football Confederation - citing disagreements with FIFA over OFC's qualification slots as the primary issue.

Despite strong performances in both 1998 and 2002, OFC still have not been rewarded with an automatic slot for the 2006 FIFA World Cup - with the move to be discussed by the AFC Executive Committee in March 2005.

Cameroon v Australia - April 19 @ 5am AEST


Australia v Latvia - April 20 @ 8pm AEST


Australia v Japan - April 21 @ 8pm AEST


Australia v Czech Republic - April 22 @ 6am
 
At the FIFA Confederations Cup, Australia have been drawn into Group A with hosts Germany, followed by 2002 FIFA World Cup winners Portugal, with the group wrapping up with African champions Tunisia.

Group B sees European Champions Greece, Copa America Champions Brazil, CONCACAF Gold Cup Champions Mexico and Asian Cup Champions Japan face off.

Australian coach Frank Farina has allowed midfielders Marco Bresciano and Vince Grella to skip the Confederations Cup in Germany later this month because of club commitments.

Bresciano and Grella's Italian club Parma has Serie A relegation playoffs during the Confederations Cup from June 15-29.

Parma had asked Farina to release the two players from international duty, with Farina leaving both out of his 23-man squad.

"I decided it was best for the team as they prepare for the Confederations Cup and the World Cup qualifiers later in the year and in the best interests of the players that they not be selected," Farina said.

"It's a difficult situation for all involved.

"Both players love playing for their country and at the same time feel a responsibility to help their club.

"It's a shame they'll miss the tournament but it will give others an opportunity to step up."

Farina has included Sydney FC striker David Zdrilic, who is currently playing in the Oceania Club World Championship qualifiers in Tahiti, and Osasuna striker John Aloisi, whose club plays in the Spanish Cup final this weekend.

Farina has also called up Australian-based duo Simon Colosimo and Archie Thompson, but has bypassed German-based veteran striker Paul Agostino.

Australia: John Aloisi, Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, Simon Colosimo, Jason Culina, Ahmad Elrich, Brett Emerton, Zeljko Kalac, Jon McKain, Ljubo Milicevic, Craig Moore, Kevin Muscat, Lucas Neill, Michael Petkovic, Tony Popovic, Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko, Mile Sterjovski, Archie Thompson, Tony Vidmar, Mark Viduka, Luke Wilkshire, David Zdrilic.

Germany v Australia - April 23 @ 4am AEST


Portugal v Australia - April 24 @ 5:45am AEST


Australia v Tunisia - April 25 @ 6:45am AEST
 


After finishing second in Group A behind Portugal, the Socceroos face Brazil for a place in the final - who topped Group B ahead of European Champions Greece.

A Mark Viduka brace, alongside goals from Tony Popovic and Tim Cahill, led Australia to a 4-1 defeat of Tunisia on the final matchday of the group - and leaves Mark Viduka poised on 99 international goals. Iran's Ali Daei recently became the first man to score 100 goals in international football - will Viduka be able to join him?

The Socceroos have faced Brazil 3 times in the FIFA Confederations Cup, losing out each time to Los Selecao - will Viduka be able to bag his 100th official Socceroos goal and help Australia to reverse their fortunes for a place in the FIFA Confederations Cup final?
 
The 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup Final will be presented live 27 April at 5:45am AEST


Earlier today, the FIFA Executive Committee approved the move from the OFC to the Asian Football Confederation. FIFA noted that "as all of the parties involved ... had agreed to the move, the case did not need to be discussed by the FIFA Congress". The AFC will vote to ratify the decision in September. If ratified, the move will take effect on January 1, with Australia to be entered into qualifying for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. They will see out the current World Cup Qualifying cycle until they are knocked out, and then be entered into the AFC Qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

After vanquishing former demons against Brazil in the semi final - including Mark Viduka’s historic 100th international goal - the Socceroos face European Champions Greece in the final.

Greece once again surprised Portugal in a repeat of the 2004 European Championships, and look for yet another piece of silverware.

After the Confederations Cup, Australia will face Tahiti again over two legs - the winner advancing to the CONMEBOL-OFC Playoff for the final 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification spot.
 
11am AEST - 28 April 2026


2nd leg - 8pm AEST - 29 April 2026


After defeating Greece to win their first FIFA trophy in the FIFA Confederations Cup, Australia face Tahiti again over two legs - with the winner advancing to the CONMEBOL-OFC Playoff for the final 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification spot.

Last time out against Tahiti, Australia won the OFC Nations Cup 3-2 over two legs.

However, just days after lifting the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, Socceroos boss Frank Farina is out of a job.

In one of the most dramatic weeks in Australian sporting history, Farina guided the Australia national soccer team to stunning wins over Germany, Brazil and Greece before the celebrations spiralled into controversy.

A drink-driving charge following a team function forced crisis talks inside Football Federation Australia, culminating in Farina stepping down.

Former Netherlands and Korea Republic manager Guus Hiddink has been signed by the FFA to lead the team to the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals - with his contract set to end at the end of Australia's campaign.

Hiddink is still contracted as manager of Dutch Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven, and will be managing both sides simultaneously.

Football insiders say the federation had already been considering changes as Australia prepares to move into the Asian Football Confederation, but few expected the decision to come so soon after the country’s greatest football victory.
 
Australia have defeated Tahiti in the final playoff of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for Oceania - and now advance to the CONMEBOL-OFC Playoff for the final 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification spot.

As Australia await who their opponent will be, they head to London to face Jamaica in a friendly match.

Kick off 30 April @ 6am AEST
 
Australia defeated Tahiti in the final playoff of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for Oceania - and now advance to the CONMEBOL-OFC Playoff for the final 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification spot.

Their opponents are two-time World Champions Uruguay, who Australia defeated 3-0 on aggregate in the same fixture in 2001 to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Finals.

However, this time, Australia have been drawn to host the second leg, so a hostile crowd in Montevideo awaits.

First Leg - May 1 8am AEST


Second Leg - May 2 8pm AEST
 


After securing qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany, the Socceroos begin their new journey in the Asian Football Confederation - with their first task in Asia to secure qualification for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

Australia has been drawn in a group with Lebanon, Bahrain and Kuwait, with the top two nations qualifying for next years tournament to be held jointly by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam - although Lebanon's participation does have question marks.
 
The Socceroos return to Australia for a farewell match against 2004 European Champions Greece, in a repeat of the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup final where Australia emerged victorious.

The Socceroos will then travel to Europe with friendlies lined up against Netherlands in Rotterdam, and Liechtenstein at the Socceroos training base in Ulm as final preparations for Australia's campaign.

Led by PSV Eindhoven and former Netherlands manager Guus Hiddink - who knocked Australia out at the Round of 16 stage in France 1998 - the Socceroos aim to go deeper into the tournament than their 2002 third place.

Australia have been drawn in Group F for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, alongisde fellow Asian side Japan (as Australia is still considered an Oceania nation for the tournament), heavy favourites Brazil, and Croatia.

Hiddink, who will be assisted by former Socceroos striker Graham Arnold, has selected his squad prior to the Greece friendly:
Goalkeepers
Mark Schwarzer
Zeljko Kalac
Ante Covic

Defenders
Michael Beauchamp
Craig Moore
Lucas Neill
Tony Popovic
Mark Milligan

Midfielders
Marco Bresciano
Tim Cahill
Scott Chipperfield
Jason Culina
Brett Emerton
Vince Grella
Stan Lazaridis
Josip Skoko
Mile Sterjovski
Luke Wilkshire

Forwards
John Aloisi
Harry Kewell
Archie Thompson
Mark Viduka
Joshua Kennedy

Australia v Greece - May 4 @ 8pm AEST


Netherlands v Australia - May 5 @ 6am AEST


Liechtenstein v Australia - May 6 @ 1am AEST
 
2006 FIFA World Cup - Group F

Australia v Japan - May 6 @ 11pm AEST


Brazil v Australia - May 8 @ 2am AEST


Croatia v Australia - May 9 @ 6am AEST
 
he Socceroos continue their quest for World Cup glory in the Round of 16 against Group E winners Czech Republic, after their 2-0 victory over Croatia secured second place in Group F behind Brazil.

Sunday 11 May @ 2am AEST
 
The Socceroos continue their quest for World Cup glory in the quarter finals against France, following their 1-0 victory over Czech Republic - thanks to Tim Cahill.

11 May @ 6am
 
A Harry Kewell brace led to a come from behind victory for Australia against France in the quarter finals, and the Socceroos now face Netherlands in the semi finals.

Netherlands knocked Australia out of the 1998 FIFA World Cup - then led by the Socceroos current manager Guus Hiddink - though a pre-tournament friendly resulted in a 2-2 draw.

The Socceroos aim to go deeper into the tournament than their 2002 third place.

Will Australia vanquish their demons from the past two tournaments, to defeat Netherlands and head to Berlin for their first FIFA World Cup final?

13 May @ 6am AEST
 
The Socceroos date with destiny has arrived.

An injury-time header from Brett Emerton has sent Australia to the brink of footballing immortality, sealing a dramatic semi-final victory over the Netherlands and booking a historic place in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final in Berlin.

For the Socceroos, this is more than just a match - it’s the culmination of a bold new era that began with upheaval. The shock decision to part ways with Frank Farina just 12 months ago - despite a stunning Confederations Cup triumph in 2005 - paved the way for Guus Hiddink to take charge. The Dutchman, once a villain to Australian fans after eliminating them in 1998, has now become the architect of their greatest ever run.

The Road to Berlin​

Australia’s journey has been anything but straightforward.

They opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Japan, before suffering heartbreak against Brazil in a chaotic 3-2 loss - despite the Seleção being reduced to ten men. That result forced the Socceroos to respond, and they did so emphatically, defeating Croatia 2-0 to secure second place in Group F - ironically setting up a potential rematch with Brazil later in the tournament.

In the knockout stages, the belief only grew:
  • Round of 16: A disciplined 2-0 win over Croatia carried momentum forward.
  • Quarter-final: Harry Kewell delivered a masterclass, scoring twice to eliminate France.
  • Semi-final: Emerton’s last-gasp header shattered Dutch hearts and exorcised the ghosts of 1998.
The final presents a poetic twist: Australia will face Brazil, the very team that denied them in the group stage.

But history offers hope.

Just a year earlier, Australia stunned the football world by defeating Brazil en route to lifting the Confederations Cup. That victory proved the Socceroos can match it with the global giants - but their group-stage collapse against ten men will linger as a warning.

Brazil’s path to the final has been formidable. They have dispatched Italy, Spain, and hosts Germany, showcasing their trademark blend of flair and ruthlessness. This is a team built for the biggest stage.

Hiddink’s Redemption Arc​

For Guus Hiddink, this final carries personal significance. The man who once ended Australia’s dreams now stands on the verge of delivering their greatest triumph.

Supported by assistant Graham Arnold, Hiddink has instilled tactical discipline, resilience, and belief into a squad that blends experience with grit.

Leaders like Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill, and Lucas Neill have anchored the side, while moments of brilliance from Kewell and Emerton have defined their knockout run.

Now, only one challenge remains.
Berlin now awaits.

Australia stands on the cusp of rewriting football history—no longer just underdogs, but genuine contenders. The scars of that group-stage defeat to Brazil remain fresh, but so too does the memory of their Confederations Cup triumph.

The question is simple:

Can the Socceroos rise once more and complete one of the greatest World Cup stories ever told?

Or will Brazil, battle-hardened and relentless, prove too strong on the biggest stage of all?

May 17 @ 5am
 
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AUSTRALIA ARE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD after a 2-1 defeat of Brazil in the final, with a goal from Tim Cahill (and providing the assist for a Juan own-goal) spearheading Australia before Lucio scored a consolation goal for Los Selecao.

Socceroos 2010 World Cup Winner Logo.pngSocceroos 2010 World Cup Winner Logo 2.png

After a historic run in Germany, that saw Mark Viduka lift the FIFA World Cup for Australia, the Socceroos continue their new journey in the Asian Football Confederation - with their first task in Asia to secure qualification for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

Despite success with Guus Hiddink, he has returned to his role as manager of PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie, with the FFA appointing his assistant and former Socceroos striker Graham Arnold as manager, at least until the end of the 2007 AFC Asian Cup campaign.

Australia has been drawn in a group with Lebanon, Bahrain and Kuwait, with the top two nations qualifying for next years tournament to be held jointly by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam - although Lebanon have since withdrawn, leaving the group with just 3 nations. Australia defeated Bahrain in their first match, with a victory over Kuwait all but securing qualification for the 2007 tournament.

The Socceroos will see out the year with the remaining 3 AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches, as well as a preparational friendly for their final match hosting Bahrain, against Paraguay, before ending the year with a London friendly against Ghana.









 
PS - the above matches that are scheduled in are the last of my pre-recorded matches at the moment - am aiming to do live ones on YouTube/Twitch after that - which means they won't be scheduled in, and may end up being multiple matches on same day, etc

SPOILER ALERT
Not all the nations that were in the 2007 Asian Cup are in the game, and I can only effectively play one group as a tournament (this will be Australia's group.

This means that Oman and Singapore (despite being a host) will need to be replaced, and thus I will replace with Pakistan and Hong Kong respectively (due to who is available in game, etc).

Because of this method, I will also be - instead of having the whole tournament simulate - assume all other matches play out as real life (because thankfully, all 8 quarter finalists are in the game) - this means that:

IF Australia tops group, QF against Vietnam, and then semi-final against South Korea.
IF Australia finishes runner up (as in real-life), QF against Japan, and semi-final against Saudi Arabia.

I'm not sure what to do about the final yet - will depend where I finish up in the group. It will probably mean that if I top the group and run to the final, the final will be Australia v Japan. If I finish runner up, it will be a replay of whatever the nation that tops our group is (probably Iraq).

This also means that, due to Australia winning the FIFA World Cup, they will replace Italy in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Should Australia fail to make the final in this run-through, Iraq will keep it's spot in the Confederations Cup (or whoever tops Australia's group - or Japan if we top the group but fail to reach the final).

now - onto player stats - I have these recorded (including merging with real-life stats for games that still exist in this universe) and our Top 10 most capped and highest scorers are (as of November 2006 - which is the Ghana friendly):

MOST CAPS
  1. Tony Vidmar - 105
  2. Mark Viduka - 105
  3. Craig Moore - 102
  4. Paul Wade - 97
  5. Tony Popovic - 97
  6. Stan Lazaridis - 95
  7. Alex Tobin - 83
  8. Josip Skoko - 81
  9. Harry Kewell - 79
  10. Mark Schwarzer - 70
MOST GOALS
  1. Mark Viduka - 108
  2. Harry Kewell - 70
  3. Aurelio Vidmar - 57
  4. Damian Mori - 28
  5. John Kosmina - 25 (60 games)
  6. Attila Abonyi - 25 (61 games)
  7. Archie Thompson - 24 (37 games)
  8. John Aloisi - 24 (63 games)
  9. Paul Okon - 19
  10. David Zdrillic - 18 (12 games)
  11. Ray Baartz - 18 (48 games)
477 players have received official caps, with Mark Milligan, Ante Covic and Michael Beauchamp all being given their debut in the friendly against Ghana (real life at this point was 499, with Ryan Griffiths being given his debut against Jamaica prior to the CONMEBOL playoff in 2005, and Carl Valeri being cap #500 in the China friendly of early 2007).
 
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Australia has been drawn in a group with co-hosts Hong Kong, Oman and Iraq for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and will prepare with friendlies against Denmark, China, Uruguay and India.

(links to individual matches on YouTube to be added afterwards - for now - here's the live Twitch link)





I think I might go back to the pre-records/stream on Twitch, and then post on YouTube a match a day thing. Watch this space. Final Asian Cup friendlies are up next (home to Uruguay, and away to India).
 
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