In 1985, the Socceroos travelled to Tel Aviv to face Israel in FIFA World Cup qualifier, and put in one of their finest ever away performances. No watch the classic footage...
In 1985, the Socceroos travelled to Tel Aviv to face Israel in FIFA World Cup qualifier, and put in one of their finest ever away performances. No watch the classic footage...
Israel v Australia 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC) final round Tuesday, 8 October 1985 Ramat Gan Stadium, Tel Aviv Attendance: approximately 45 000 Australia 2-1 Israel
The Socceroos journeyed to the Middle East in their bid to qualify for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, facing Israel in Tel Aviv, in the final round of OFC qualification.
It was a tense fixture in front of a packed stadium. Australia midfielder Oscar Crino thought he-d drawn first blood early on, only for the goal to be disallowed for an earlier foul on an Israeli player.
Not long after, Socceroo coach Frank Arok was sent from the bench after remonstrating with the referee for a foul on Steve O-Connor, leaving assistant coach Eddie Thomson to encourage the Aussies from the touchline.
The game opened up in the second half, as Australia finally broke the deadlock. Crino pressured Israel-s Marchness, whose poor pass back only fed the ball into Aussie striker David Mitchell, who calmly rounded the keeper to score, giving Australia a 1-0 lead.
They made it two not long after, after John Kosmina latched on to Graham Jennings excellent cross, sending in a fine header from the penalty spot. The Socceroos didn-t have it all their own way, however, as a complacent defence let Israel-s Zahi Armeli pass them by to grab one for the home side.
But that was all the kick up the backside Australia needed, hanging on for a well-deserved victory in pressure conditions.
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