John's Story
John Aloisi's national career football career spanned more than a decade, with his penalty kick at the 2006 FIFA World Cup playoffs being the moment he is most remembered for.
Aloisi made his national team debut in 1997 and in 2004 represented Australia as an overage player for the Olyroos at the Athens Olympics. There, he scored three goals which helped the Olyroos to the quarterfinals where they were defeated 1-0.
In 2005, he scored the decisive penalty that sent the Socceroos to their first World Cup in 32 years. It was an aggregate tie against Uruguay in the 2006 FIFA World Cup playoffs with Aloisi's goal sending the team to their first World Cup since 1974.
At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Aloisi came off the bench to score a goal in a 3-1 group stage victory against Japan, becoming the second Australian to score a goal at a World Cup finals after teammate Tim Cahill.
Aloisi's penalty kick against Uruguay was voted as one of three greatest moments in Australian sporting history by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2008, shortly after his retirement.
He ended his national playing career with 55 caps and 27 goals.
