The Socceroos contest their last match on home soil tonight as they take on New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium. The match serves a dual purpose. Not only is it the Socceroos' farewell before the World Cup in Qatar, but it is also a celebration of the Australian men’s national team’s centenary. 2022 marks 200 years since Australia’s first A international. That match was against New Zealand in Dunedin. It will be the 65th time the Socceroos will take on the All Whites, with the match taking place at Suncorp Stadium.
As part of the celebrations tonight, Football Australia has selected 23 players, a coach and assistant coaches for the Socceroos Team of the Century.
In addition to sixteen fan selections, Football Australia’s Panel of Historians added seven additional players to be recognised in the team. The team includes at least one representative from each era of the Socceroos’ storied and iconic history.
Australia has been spoilt for choice with goalkeepers over the years, and it shows with the three goalies selected in the team of the century.
The goalkeeper with the most appearances in Premier League history, Mark Schwarzer was selected alongside current FC Copenhagen number one Mat Ryan. A man who saved a penalty in a famous victory over England back in 1937, Jimmy McNabb fills the goalkeeper quota.
In defence, there are plenty of names that should be familiar to Socceroos fans from this century. Former captains Lucas Neill and Craig Moore headline the backline choices. Scott Chipperfield, Tony Vidmar and Alex Tobin join them. Joe Marston and Peter Wilson complete the Team of the Century defensive selections.
The midfield really stresses the talent Australia has had over the years. Johnny Warren was an obvious choice. Not only was he incredible in building the profile of the game in Australia right until his death in 2004, but he was a brilliant player too. The rest of the midfield is a who’s who of Aussie stars of the noughties. Mark Bresciano, Brett Emerton, Mile Jedinak, Harry Kewell, and Aaron Mooy complete a midfield full of class, composure, and creativity.
The attack for the Socceroos Team of the Century would have no trouble finding the back of the net. John Aloisi, Tim Cahill, Reg Date, John Kosmina, Judy Masters, Alf Quill, and Mark Viduka are the forwards picked.
The coach chosen for the side was always going to be Guus Hiddink. The Dutch tactician led the Socceroos to their best result at a World Cup, when they were eliminated from the ‘06 competition in heartbreaking fashion to Italy. Rale Rasic, Ange Postecoglou, and current international team boss Graham Arnold round out an impressive coaching staff.
Socceroos Team of the Century
Players: John ALOISI, Mark BRESCIANO, Tim CAHILL, Scott CHIPPERFIELD, Reg DATE, Brett EMERTON, Mile JEDINAK, Harry KEWELL, John KOSMINA, Joe MARSTON, Judy MASTERS, Jimmy MCNABB (Gk), Craig MOORE, Aaron MOOY, Lucas NEILL, Alf QUILL, Mathew RYAN (Gk), Mark SCHWARZER (Gk), Alex TOBIN, Tony VIDMAR, Mark VIDUKA, Johnny WARREN, Peter WILSON
Head Coach: Guus Hiddink
Assistant Coaches: Graham Arnold, Ange Postecoglou, Rale Rasic