It's no secret that Australian soccer has had it tough over the years. You only need to look at the 32-year World Cup drought, where Australia failed to qualify again and again…and again. But some people believe there's a simple explanation for those long and painful years. In 1969, a desperate Socceroos team came up with a devious plot to overcome their opposition. But the plan unexpectedly backfired, haunting Australian soccer for decades.

<p>It's no secret that Australian soccer has had it tough over the years. You only need to look at the 32-year World Cup drought, where Australia failed to qualify again and again…and again. But some people believe there's a simple explanation for those long and painful years. In 1969, a desperate Socceroos team came up with a devious plot to overcome their opposition. But the plan unexpectedly backfired, haunting Australian soccer for decades.</p>

Join Tony Armstrong on a trip through the annals of sports history to uncover some of the most extraordinary, untold tales that will captivate, surprise, and inspire. From footy to Formula 1, this is the show that celebrates the winners, losers, and the weird stuff between.

<p>Join Tony Armstrong on a trip through the annals of sports history to uncover some of the most extraordinary, untold tales that will captivate, surprise, and inspire. From footy to Formula 1, this is the show that celebrates the winners, losers, and the weird stuff between.</p>

The Pool Room with Tony Armstrong

The Legend of the Socceroos Curse

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/2e7c2e4b-b071-4ddb-b0f3-aff2003782ea/transcript