Socceroos' 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign is decade's story

Melbourne, Dec. 31 (ANI): Fox.com.au users have voted the Socceroos' 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign as the story of the decade.

In the poll that attracted 2472 votes (and finished on December 31), Australia's dramatic qualification and push to the second round in Germany grabbed top spot with 566 votes, a mere three more than Tiger Woods's shocking fall from grace this year.

The Socceroos' win illustrates how football has come of age in Australia during the past decade.

Following Woods into third was Lance Armstrong's inspirational and unprecedented seventh Tour de France win, with Usain Bolt's mesmerising performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games coming in just a single vote behind.

Roger Federer claiming the all-time grand slam singles title record also rated highly amongst users, just four ahead of Makybe Diva's move to legendary status with her third straight Melbourne Cup.

After 32 years of frustration, disappointment and heartache, the Socceroos finally qualified for their second FIFA World Cup finals on the November 16, 2005, but not before the nation was forced to endure unbearable tension in the second-leg qualifying tie against Uruguay at ANZ Stadium (then Telstra Stadium).

The result saw an entire nation rejoice in the remarkable achievement. The Aussies' success also saw them become the first side to make the World Cup finals through a penalty shootout. (ANI)