World Cup countdown - 80 days to go

The headline said it all – ‘Kennedy sends Socceroos to Brazil’.

The headline said it all - ‘Kennedy sends Socceroos to Brazil-. Just over 80,000 packed into ANZ Stadium to witness Australia qualify for its third successive World Cup courtesy of Josh Kennedy-s 83rd minute winner against Iraq.

Needing a win to guarantee qualification and with the nation holding its collective breath hoping for another memorable night in Australian football, everyone dressed in green and gold were made to sweat as the Iraqis proved stubborn resistance.

But with the majority of the 80,000 in attendance urging the Socceroos on, the volume around the stadium went through the roof when Kennedy headed home from a Marc Bresciano cross. There-s little chance anyone in the crowd will ever forget that moment, and the Socceroos deserve a crowd of similar size when they take on South Africa in their farewell game ahead of the World Cup at the same venue on May 26.

Tickets for the match against South Africa, presented by NAB, are on sale now. Click here for details.