The Subway Socceroos return to Western Australia for the first time in almost eight years, hoping to extend their perfect record at HBF Park in Perth.
The green and gold will conclude their second round of FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers, when they face Palestine on June 11th.
The city has played host to a number of internationals in the past. Here is a rundown of how those games played out.
1975 | 0-0 Draw vs USSR | International Friendly
The first ever national team match to be played in the state came in 1975, just 12 months after the Socceroos' historic first World Cup appearance.
A representative squad from the former nation of the USSR toured Australia, with the side's first clash finishing in a goalless draw, in front of a strong crowd in the suburb of Floreat, just a stone's throw away from the upcoming venue of HBF Park where the Socceroos will return to in June.
1995 | 0-1 Defeat vs Ghana | International Friendly
It would take almost two decades for the Socceroos to return to the west, this time facing an up and coming Ghana outfit at the WACA in mid-1995. Having defeated the West Africans twice in four days prior to the clash, a first-half goal from former Borussia Dortmund star Mallam Yahya remained the difference in Perth.
The match and series was notable due to the emergence of future national team stalwarts Paul Okon and Tony Popovic, who joined the starting side in Perth and impressed immensely.
2005 | 3-0 Win vs Indonesia | International Friendly (Tsunami Disaster Relief)
Australia faced neighbours Indoesia in early 2005 at the former Subiaco Oval, with the aim to help fundraise and support the victims of the previous years' earthquake and tsunami in Northern Sumatra.
The green and gold emerged victorious 3-0 on the night, thanks to a brace from Ante Milicic and a late strike by David Zdrilic. Just like in 1995, the camp saw a number of youngsters star, ready to help Australia qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, including Brett Emerton, Luke Wilkshire, and Jason Culina.
2015 | 5-0 Win vs Bangladesh | FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers™
The first competitive international to be played in Western Australia was also the most dominant, with Australia returning to Perth during the second round of AFC qualifiers, where the Subway Socceroos ran riot in front of a packed HBF Park, defeating Bangladesh 5-0.
An early flurry from Tom Rogic and Mathew Leckie had Australia in front by three just after the half-hour mark before Nathan Burns got his debut international goal to round out an impressive first-half.
Huddersfield Town talisman Aaron Mooy finished off the scoring, having turned provider for almost all the previous goals.
2016 | 2-0 Win vs Iraq | FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers™
Our latest match in Perth was perhaps our most important, with the Subway Socceroos picking up a 2-0 win against Iraq in the final round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, three points which were crucial as Australia eventually qualified for the tournament.
Ange Postecoglou's men could have lead within the first ten seconds, with Tomi Juric's strike saved smartly by Iraqi keeper Mohammed Hameed.
Having been frustrated throughout the first half due to resolute defending by the opposition, Australia eventually took the lead in front of 'the shed end' of HBF Park, thanks to a pin-point cross toward the toe of Massimo Luongo.
Juric made up for his earlier miss by dispatching a loose ball following a corner to double the lead and help kick-start the green and gold's march toward the World Cup in Russia.
What's coming up in Perth?
In and around the Subway Socceroos clash at HBF Park, there are plenty of reasons for sport-lovers, football fans in particular, to visit the city of Perth and the state of Western Australia.
The venue of HBF Park hosts sporting events year-round between Perth Glory and Western Force home games, along with NRL clashes at the ground.
Across the river, Perth's Optus Stadium will play host to a footballing extravaganza, as two Italian giants, AC Milan and AS Roma, face off on May 31st. The match ties into a city-wide cultural event on June 1st, with the 'Little Italy Festival' helping celebrate the rich Italian ties and history, that the city possesses.
Optus Stadium also plays host to two AFL sides in West Coast Eagles, and Fremantle Dockers, during the winter months.
Check out the things to do in Western Australia this winter and plan your trip today.
Match Details:
Subway Socceroos v Palestine
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
HBF Park, Perth
Kick-off: 8:05pm AWST / (10:05pm AEST)
Broadcast: Channel 10, Paramount+ and 10 Play
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