Australia applied to FIFA for permission to leave Oceania, and join the AFC. It wasn't a forced move. The reasons are numeorus and varied, but essentialy boiled down to WC qualifying matches which ended up with cricket scores; it was not meaningful preparation for whoever qualified out of Oceania.
The world record score in a soccer match at international level was set/broken by Australia back in April 2000 when they beat Tonga 22-0. They went one better a few days later when they broke the record again, beating Western Samoa 31-0. Archie Thompson scored 13 goals and David Zdrilic scored 8 goals :
http://www.funtrivia.com/ql.cfm?cat=16797This is how an aussie journalist described/reported the decision to move, when it was sanctioned by FIFA back in June 2005:
Quote:
Australia accepted in to Asia - SBS
SBS broke news from Germany on Thursday morning, that FIFA has unanimously accepted the integration of Australia in to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The move has been subject to lobbying for some time from Australian parties headed by Football Federation Australia (FFA), and FIFA's acceptance rubber stamps an action even endorsed by the AFC.
"The Executive Committee decided that the transfer of the Australian Football Federation into the Asian Confederation has been ratified," Blatter told a press conference in Frankfurt. "All parties involved are happy."
The integration means Australia's World Cup 2010 qualification campaign will be through Asia's gruelling group format, facing teams such as Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran home and away. Australia will no longer face Oceania minnows such as New Zealand, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands to eventually earn a meeting with the fifth placed nation in the tough South American region to earn their ticket to the most prestigious world sporting event.
The new system has been described as 'tougher but fairer' by FFA authorities, as it ensures the Socceroos plenty of matches against tough opposition while at the same time, allowing the chance to rectify the odd hiccup ? a luxury not afforded to Australia under the current system.
FFA Chairman Frank Lowy, who was in Frankfurt for the decision, said it was the most significant decision ever in Australian Football. "Today is a significant date in the history of football in Australia," Lowy said. "We are delighted with the decision. It is the fulfilment of our dream to move in to Asia and we must now work hard to ensure a smooth integration and to gain the maximum benefits of the move."
FFA CEO John O'Neill said there was a lot of work to be done now to capitalise on the move. "This is a transforming event of incredible magnitude and opportunity for the game; now we have to work closely with the AFC to commence the integration."
"This is a hugely exciting development for football in Australia across all levels, not just for the men's national team, and we look forward to this new era as a member of Asia."
Last modified: 30 June 2005 15:14:49
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