They say we should use this time to learn something new – so we thought we’d offer up a history lesson free of charge!
We’re going to be recapping all the important sporting moments each and every day on the Ladbrokes Blog.
So if it’s AFL, NRL, Basketball, Cricket, Golf or even Wrestling, be sure to return each morning as we take a trip back through the history books to relive some of the great and important sporting moments in This Day In Sport!
2005 – THAT night in Sydney
Years of heartbreak and misery had finally come to an end.
The Socceroos had finally qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 32 years.
It was a famous night in Australia’s rich sporting history and arguably the most significant moment and night at Stadium Australia since Cathy Freeman won gold at the Sydney Olmypics.
The Socceroos managed to outlast Uruguay in a game that managed only one goal in 120 minutes.
Australia lost the opening leg in Montevideo 1-0 and needed to win by two clear goals to book their spot in Germany but finished at the full-time/extra time whistle leading Uruguay 1-0.
The game would be decided by a penalty shootout.
It was the heroics from Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who’s two inspirational saves ensured the Socceroos would be part of the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
82,000 fans were on hand at Homebush to witness a dramatic 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time and the climatic penalty shoot-out.
It would be John Aloisi who sealed the victory for the Socceroos with the ninth kick of the penalty shoot-out resulting in some of the greatest celebratory scenes you’ll ever witness on a sporting arena in this country.
Australia was going to the World Cup. Finally!
1981 – Lillee-Miandad Dust Up
The infamous dust-up between iconic Australian fast-bowler Dennis Lilee and Pakistan’s batsman Javed Miandad took place at the WACA on this day in 1981.
Lillee appeared to aim a kick at Miandad, which resulted in a famous on-field spat.
Miandad brandished his bat in retaliation to which Lillee clenched his fists and looked ready to spar with the Pakistani batsmen.
The Australian captain, Greg Chappell along with the umpire Tony Crafter rushed to intervene, with Crafter having to sepearate the pair.
In the aftermath, Lillee was suspended from two ODI matches.