<P> The Australia national soccer team, nicknamed the Socceroos, has represented Australia at the FIFA World Cup on four occasions: in 1974, 2006, 2010, and 2014 . </P> <P> In Australia's first appearance, representing OFC, a team made up entirely of amateurs secured a scoreless draw against Chile, though eventually departed from the 1974 tournament without a goal to show from their inaugural appearance . Australia made up for lost time at Germany 2006 and qualified for the Round of 16 before narrowly falling to eventual champions Italy . The German theme continued at South Africa 2010 although this time Australia, now representing the AFC, suffered a 4 - 0 loss against the European giants in a scoreline which ultimately scuppered their progress . A ten - man 1--1 draw against Ghana and a 2--1 win against Serbia saw Australia eliminated on goal difference, three goals off the Africans . Australia were to lose all three games in a tough group at Brazil 2014 . </P>

When did australia compete at their first football world cup