2004 Australia Home – Harry Kewell #10 XL

The 2004 international season was a pivotal moment for the Australia national team, arriving during a transitional era just before the country’s historic move from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to the AFC. Managed by Frank Farina, Australia entered the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China as an invited guest nation, using the tournament to test themselves against higher-caliber continental opposition and to accelerate their competitive evolution.

Australia advanced from the group stage, demonstrating technical growth and physical intensity against established Asian sides. Their tournament run ended in the knockout rounds against Japan, where fine margins and inexperience at that level ultimately proved decisive. Despite elimination, the campaign was widely viewed as a success — a clear indicator that Australia belonged on a larger continental stage.

Beyond results, 2004 helped solidify the core of a generation that would soon make history. The squad blended European-based stars with emerging leaders, laying the groundwork for the famous 2006 World Cup qualification. The year is remembered as the bridge between Australia’s regional dominance and their global coming-of-age.

The 2004 Australia home kit, produced by Nike, was bold and unmistakable. Featuring a vibrant gold base with green trim, it embodied national identity and confidence. Clean and athletic in design, the shirt has since become a recognizable vintage football shirt, closely tied to the final years before Australia’s continental shift.

2. Player’s Impact – Harry Kewell

The 2004 season saw Harry Kewell operating at the peak of his international influence for Australia. Already an established Premier League star, Kewell was the Socceroos’ primary creative force and attacking reference point during the Asian Cup and surrounding fixtures.

Deployed mainly as a left-sided attacker with freedom to drift centrally, Kewell was responsible for progression, chance creation, and moments of individual quality. His close control, acceleration, and ability to draw defenders consistently opened space for teammates such as Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka. When Australia needed composure or inspiration, the ball naturally found Kewell.

Statistically, his contributions included key goals and assists during the tournament cycle, but his broader impact lay in leadership through performance. He dictated attacking tempo, carried the ball through midfield pressure, and set technical standards for a squad still adapting to higher-level international football.

The 2004 campaign reinforced Kewell’s status as Australia’s most gifted player of his generation. It represented the final phase of him as the unquestioned focal point, before Australia’s attack diversified in the lead-up to Germany 2006.

3. Full Squad List (Australia – 2004 Asian Cup Cycle)

Manager: Frank Farina

Goalkeepers:
Mark Schwarzer, Zeljko Kalac

Defenders:
Lucas Neill, Tony Popovic, Craig Moore, Stan Lazaridis, Brett Emerton, Hayden Foxe

Midfielders:
Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella, Paul Okon

Forwards:
Mark Viduka (captain), John Aloisi, Scott McDonald