The 1972 Soccer tourists had to overcome four trying hurdles, any one of which could have proved fatal. The matches in Indonesia, South Vietnam and the Philippines were played in absolutely stifling heat, when even to bend over to tie one’s shoelaces resulted in flood of perspiration. Then, in South Korea, the temperature dropped sharply to icily cold, bitterly windy 38 degrees.

Secondly, they went through a terrifying experience against an South Vietnam Under 23 Selection when a large section of crowed rushed the field when the game ended. Hundreds of riot police intervened to disperse the angry mob, but not before several players were hit by bottles, rocks, iron sticks, ice blocks and even petrol, which all but blinded one Australian official. On their way back to their hotel, after huddling in a dingy dressing room for 45 minutes while troops cleared surrounding streets, the tourist’s bus was stoned and windows shattered despite a military escort.

Thirdly, Australia faced determined, skilful and fit teams in the Indonesians, Vietnamese and South Koreans, who had all prepared extensively for their matches against opponents whom they regard as top Soccer country in the Asian region. And fourthly, the Socceroos invariably came up against biased or inept referees, most of whom wouldn’t get a Second Division ticket in Australia.
Home town refereeing was the order of he day as the Aussies always seemed the recipients of those “errors” which, even referees admit, do occur during the game.

To their credit, Rale Rasic’s 20-man squad took it all in their stride and clearly showed Australia is the best team in Asia-Oceania at the moment by dominating every match played. The Australians showed more aggression, physical strength and combinative ability than all their opponents.

They played eye-catching football when allowed to – against South Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines – and fought desperately when forced to – for 25 minutes in the second half of the first match against South Korea. These two extremes in there repertoire lifted them above Indonesia, New Zealand, the Vietnamese, South Korea and the Philippines and showed Asia that Australia is still the team to beat in next year’s Asia-Oceania World Cup qualifying sup-groups.

The tour started in Indonesia where they played a match against the Indonesian national side. Surprisingly, when the Australian squad arrived in steamy Djakarta, the Socceroos found out that they were branded as the underdogs. The players could not understand this, but in any case, they decided to teach the local team and their fans, a good lesson. Australia demolished their National team 4:1 in the Indonesian capital with goals from Buljevic (2), Baartz and Tolson.

Two days later the Australians played the old enemy New Zealand in a friendly in Djakarta. The match was played in 36C heat with stifling humidity and the heat affected both sides.
Warren, Baartz and Abonyi scored the goals in the 3:1 win.

Australia went to Saigon and played a friendly match against the South Vietnam under-23 side. The game ended in controversial circumstances where fans invaded the pitch upset at the hard physical play of the Australians. The Socceroos won 2:0, Branko Buljevic scored both goals. After the game, the Australians were pelted with bottles and rocks before Soldiers restored order and allowed the team to leave the field. This match was played as a warm-up to the game against the South Vietnam national side but after the controversy this match was under a cloud.

The next match saw Australia return to the 'war zone' that was South Vietnam. This match was played two days after the crowd disturbance in the Australia versus South Vietnam under 23's and was in danger of being called off. Australia took to the field carrying a Vietnamese flag and messages of goodwill were played over the PA to defuse a tricky situation. Buljevic scored again and the Socceroos won 1:0. This was the last match ever played between the two countries, as soon after that, South Vietnam was to fall to the Communists.

Next stop was South Korea for two matches against the national side. The first game was again marred by Australia’s poor finishing but the 1:1 draw meant that Australia kept their undefeated record on tour. Big Max Tolson scored the winner. Australia had so many chances and the Green and Gold could have won by at least three clear goals.
Australia’s second match against the home side South Korea saw the Socceroos correct the mistakes from the game two days earlier. The two first half goals by Baartz and Jim Armstrong were enough to put paid to South Korea.

The final match of the tour was against the Philippines in Manila. The Philippines side was completely outclassed by the Australians and they proved this point by slotting home six goals. Abonyi converted from the spot, and the goal opened the flood gates. Richards, Warren Buljevic, Butler and Utjesenovic scored the other goals.

Australia finish the tour unbeaten. On their return to Sydney, the team Captain, Peter Wilson, said: “We have nothing to fear from the Asian nations, or from New Zealand.” The big win against the Philippines was a good way to celebrate the event. From now on, it would be a sprint to the finals in West Germany.

The Socceroos, led by Peter Wilson received a champagne welcome from wives and friends at Sydney’s Mascot Airport on returning from their Asian tour. Australian Soccer Federation President Sir Arthur George said that the tour made possible by the money of four sponsors. The President introduced representatives of the World Cup Consortium, whom presented their trophies:

The TraveLodge Trophy to the Top Goalscorer of the tour – Branko Buljevic (Victoria).
The Pepsi Cola Trophy to the Best Match Player – Ray Richards (NSW).
The Philips Trophy to the Most Consistent Player – Manfred Schaefer (NSW).
The News Limited Trophy to the Best Player On and Off the Field of Play – Peter Wilson (NSW).
Each won a cash prize of $100 but they pooled the money, meaning each player in the squad received a $20 cheque.