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Bresciano's Left Foot Heroics Propel Australia to Historic World Cup Qualification
16 Nov
Summary
- Socceroos finally reach World Cup after 32 years of heartbreak
- Bresciano's left-footed goal in 2005 qualifier against Uruguay
- Dramatic penalty shootout victory sends Australia to their first World Cup

In November 2005, the Socceroos achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for their first World Cup in 32 years. The journey had been filled with heartbreak, from a deflected goal against Argentina in 1994 to a disastrous loss to Uruguay in 2001. But this time, the Australians were determined to end their long drought.
The decisive match against Uruguay was a nail-biter. The Socceroos fell behind early, but midfielder Marco Bresciano, a former schoolmate of many in the crowd, stepped up with a crucial left-footed goal to level the tie. The match went to a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer saved twice before John Aloisi slammed home the winning penalty, sending the Socceroos to their first World Cup since 1974.




