For the first time in their history, Australia walked onto the World Cup stage. Rale Rasic led the squad into the unknown.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 1 |
Australia's campaign never truly ignited, and a group stage exit brought an early end to their World Cup hopes. Goals proved hard to come by, with just 0 in 3 matches, and their lack of firepower ultimately told.
Australia endured a difficult group stage, unable to advance despite moments of resistance. Their campaign featured a 0-2 defeat against East Germany, a heavy 0-3 defeat to West Germany, and a 0-0 draw with Chile. Australia's tournament ended at the the group phase, a campaign that never truly got going.
1drawn2lost
0scored5conceded
Failed to score a single goal winless throughout.
The tactical mind behind Australia's 1974 campaign. Guided Australia to their first World Cup a Yugoslav at the helm.
Rale Rasic's team employed an attacking approach with a focus on counter-attacking, but ultimately struggled to find consistency. The squad was built around a midfield that lacked cohesion and defensive solidity.
