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The Best World Cup Inter Confederation Playoff

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A few World Cup interconfederation playoff games have been considered memorable in history.

FIFA World Cup interconfederation playoffs are finally staged, and four teams have been decided to square off for the last two berths in this year's edition. The AFC side, Iraq, will be taking on CONMEBOL’s Bolivia while the CONCACAF side, Jamaica, is fighting for the last spot versus the African side, RD Congo. Those matches will be held on March 31.

In the history of the FIFA World Cup inter confederation playoff, there have been a few games which can be deemed unforgettable. Unsurprisingly, all involved Australia. The Socceroos have been regularly going through such a stage, especially during their time in OFC when they were the most unmatched dominant force in the region without an automatic berth in the tournament but often stumbled in the playoffs.

Here are all of the memorable FIFA World Cup Inter Confederation play-offs in history.

Australia vs Peru (2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff)

The first memorable one was probably the playoff for Qatar 2022. It was the clash between AFC and CONMEBOL representatives, Australia vs Peru. The Socceroos no longer have their star players in the Premier League like Tim Cahill or Harry Kewell in the past. They were not exactly a favourite against the South American side.

The game was, in fact, quite even, and both had several chances but failed to capitalise on them due to their poor finishing. However, Peru did have one shot rattling the goal frame during extra time. Eventually, the game had to be decided through a shootout after a goalless draw in 120 minutes.

At first, Peru were upfront as their shot-stopper, Pedro Gallese, managed to save the first penalty from the opposition side. Things started to shift when Australia replaced Matty Ryan between the sticks. The backup goalkeeper, Andrew Redmayne, made an antic move, which distracted Peru’s executors. He saved one penalty in the end to secure the last spot in Qatar.

Australia vs Uruguay (2006 FIFA World Cup Playoff)

Another thrilling playoff was in the 2006 World Cup playoff. This time, the Socceroos faced off Alvaro Recoba’s Uruguay. They lost 1-0 in Montevideo at the first leg but managed to bounce back with a 1-0 win at home through Mark Bresciano’s goal in the first half.

Guus Hiddink’s men finally came out as a winner through penalties. The goalkeeper Mark Schwazner was the protagonist as he saved twice. They returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

In fact, Mark Viduka and Co. had one of their best campaigns in their World Cup history. They were able to advance from the group stage despite being seeded with Brazil, Croatia and Japan and had to end their journey in Germany 2006 in the round of 16 through a controversial 1-0 loss against the eventual winner, Italy, from a late penalty.

Iran vs Australia (1998 FIFA World Cup playoff)

This was the most thrilling inter confederation playoff in history. Australia was still representing Oceania at that time, while Iran was the AFC's representative. They had to go through the interncontinental playoff stage following their defeat to Japan in the AFC playoff. The Socceroos were the favourite with the former England boss, Terry Venables, at the helm of the team.

In the first leg at Tehran, Australia already secured a positive result by holding the host in a 1-1 draw. The young Harry Kewell opened the scoring before Khodadad Azizi netted the equaliser. In the reverse fixture at Melbourne, it was a dramatic turn for Team Melli.

The Socceroos already took the two-goal lead through Harry Kewell and Aurelio Vidmar. They were leading until 75 minutes. The shocking turn began as Azizi penetrated the left side of their defence line. He stumbled but still managed to provide an assist from the rebound for Karim Bagheri, who was unguarded in the six-yard box and scored at his mercy. Four minutes later, it was Azizi himself who bagged an equaliser following Ali Daei’s through ball. He quickly chased the ball and buried it, leaving Mark Bosnich stunned.

The host naturally attempted to retake the charge in the last ten minutes, but all three attempts were saved by Iran’s goalie. Ahmadreza Abedzabeh. The final whistle was blown, and Iran eventually returned to the World Cup to end their 20 years of absence.

 


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