Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
With the excitement building ahead of January’s AFC Asian Cup, we rewind to 1997 and a famous World Cup qualifier that broke Australian hearts and sent Iran to France ’98.
November 29, 1997 remains a painful scar on the collective consciousness of Australian football. After five consecutive failed attempts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos had a terrific squad of players assembled to make a run for France ’98. All that stood in their way was Iran.
In front of over 100,000 people in Tehran, Harry Kewell gave Australia the goal they needed in a 1-1 draw in the first leg, and the Socceroos returned home as favourites for the second leg. 85,000 people packed into the Melbourne Cricket Ground in anticipation, and after goals from Kewell and Aurelio Vidmar, it appeared the Socceroos had qualified.
Many commentators point to the infamous Peter Hore incident, where a crazed spectator ran onto the field and broke the net, as the turning point in the match. However, some cunning coaching from Valdeir Vieira was crucial in changing the game, and in the space of just five minutes, Iran scored twice to equalise. On the away goals rule, Iran qualified as the 32nd and final team for the World Cup, and the Socceroos were left shell-shocked.
Many Australian players lay on the field sobbing, while on national television, commentator Johnny Warren broke down in tears.
The Brazilian coach of Iran Viera, sensing the huge calamity, made a wonderful post-match speech. “I’m really sorry,” said Vieira, “I know Johnny Warren… I know that that team from 1974 have been together, and how these people now are suffering. I know how Australian kids who play football are suffering now. I’ll tell you the truth, if we should have had a winner here, it should have been Australia.”
Since that date, the Socceroos have never again played Iran. Some of the pain has subsided with three consecutive World Cup appearances between 2006 and 2014, however there is still some unfinished business for Australians.
In 2015, Australia host their first AFC Asian Cup, and if the results go the right way, the Socceroos and Iran could meet in the semi-finals. It would be a fascinating encounter for two teams looking to claim the title of Asia's top side.
As the highest ranked Asian nation, Iran are considered one of the favourites, while Australia will be under pressure to reach the final on home soil. There are, of course, no players left from that match in 1997, but it would make for an ideal grudge match.