World Cup countdown - 83 days to go

It’s an Australia versus England focus as the Socceroos faced the mother country three times in 1983.

It-s an Australia versus England focus as the Socceroos faced the mother country three times in 1983.

In a year when Australia did not have any World Cup Qualifiers, an England team coached by Sir Bobby Robson arrived ‘down under- to play against the Socceroos in a three match series. After a scoreless draw in the opening game at the Sydney Cricket Ground, England prevailed 1-0 in the following fixture thanks to a goal from Paul Walsh.

The final match finished 1-1 with Australia-s solitary goal of the series coming courtesy of an own goal by English defender Phil Neal.

At the upcoming World Cup, England finds itself in Group D alongside Italy, Costa Rica and Uruguay.

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