Green and Golden Years – All Whites thrashing and Israel heat

Need a reason to brighten your week? We’ve got hold of some classic Socceroos vision and will look back on some of the great games from Australia’s history...

Need a reason to brighten your week? We-ve got hold of some classic Socceroos vision and will look back on some of the great games from Australia-s history...

Socceroos v New Zealand

1990 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC ), final round Sunday, 12 March 1989 Sydney Football Stadium Attendance: 13 621 Australia 4 - New Zealand 1

It was the final round of qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, and the Socceroos were in fine form ahead of two crucial matches.

First up, an exciting clash with the trans-Tasman rivals at Sydney Football Stadium. Frank Arok-s side were ruthless in the Sydney sun, tormenting the Kiwis as they ran out clear winners.

Midfielder Oscar Crino put Australia in front, capitalising on good work on the right from Scott Ollerenshaw and benefiting from some dodgy New Zealand defending.

An impressively curly Graham Arnold made it 2-0, just before half time, turning beautifully on the edge of the six-yard box and stabbing the ball past Clint Gosling.

Arnie got his brace in the second half, beating his marker to Paul Wade-s ball into the box and jab another into the roof of the net.

The sprightly Ollerenshaw looked certain to make it four, until Gosling-s outstretched hand brought him down in the box, and up stepped - guess who? - Yep, Charlie Yankos, who coolly sealed a good day for Australia.

Israel v Socceroos Sunday, 19 March 1989 Ramat Gan Stadium, Tel Aviv Attendance: approximately 45 000 Australia 1 - Israel 1

A massive game with the two OFC favourites going up against each other in the race for qualification, and the Israeli fans didn-t disappoint with a fantastic atmosphere in Tel Aviv.

Yankos went closest to breaking the deadlock in a quiet first half, slamming a rocket free-kick just wide, but it was Israel who ultimately drew first blood, as an Alan Davidson handball gave Eli Ohana the chance to score from the penalty spot.

Charlie Yankos scored one of the finest goals the green and goal has ever seen, a beautifully weighted free kick, a full 30m from goal, which drifted round the wall and exploited the huge gap left by the Israeli goalkeeper.

Despite a great away result, it ultimately wasn-t enough as Israel finished above Australia and progressed to the next round on qualification, as the green and gold missed out on the World Cup finals again.

Priority ticket sales exclusive to Football Family members only will commence on Monday 30 July for the next two Qantas Socceroos matches in Sydney (26 March vs. Oman and 18 June vs. Iraq).

Membership to the Football Family is free, so if you are not already a member, click here to sign-up for priority ticketing and other exclusive offers.