What a Difference 1 Game Can Make

Its amazing in sports how one game can change a team's fate so dramatically. The Australian soccer team is a perfect example. Australia have had a very disappointing history in soccer, as no team has lost in more playoff qualifiers then the Aussies. Then in 2006 it all changed. Australia were heavy underdogs against Uruguay as they entered into the playoff qualifier. Uruguay won the first leg in Montevideo by a single goal and it looked like the Aussies were done for. However, the second leg in Melbourne would produce an absolute shock. The Aussies produced an incredible performance and won the match 1-0, to force penalty kicks. The Aussie fans held their breathe and prayed that the team could avoid another disappointment. This time it would be different for the green and gold, as Mark Schwartzer proved to be the hero with two penalty saves. Australia won the shootout 4-2 to advance to their first world cup in 32 years. Since that point soccer in Australia has skyrocketed. The Aussies made it to the second round for the first time in their history and were only eliminated on a terrible call. Then in qualifying for the 2010 world cup, Australia were fantastic and rolled into qualification. Attendance at soccer matches in Australia has jumped enormously and they created their first national league. The facilities in Australia have also greatly improved and the number of Aussies playing abroad is as high as its ever been. The win against Uruguay is the reason why Australian soccer has grown so much. The game jump started this progression. If Australia had not won, soccer Australia would be in the same state as it was prior to 2006.