With no competitive fixtures scheduled, it was a relatively quiet year for the Socceroos having only 3 friendly matches, all away from home. However, the fixture in March against England made headlines due to Australia recording a famous 3–1 victory over their hosts. [1] The match was also renowned for England making eleven substitutions at half time.[2]
Two friendlies in the latter half of the year saw Ireland come from a goal down to win 2–1 in Dublin in August followed by a September win over Jamaica when Harry Kewell's second half goal gave Australia a 2–1 victory.