The other-worldly ecstasy of the Socceroos' penalty shootout against Uruguay, 20 years on
John Aloisi soaks up every bit of adulation after his winning penalty against Uruguay. (Getty Images: Matthew King)
When John Aloisi scored his match-winning penalty against Uruguay in Sydney, pure instinct took over as he ripped his shirt off in other-worldly ecstasy.
At the time, he joked it was not the best choice.
"I was disappointed I took my shirt off now, because I haven't got the best of bodies," he laughed the following day.
Loading...But that enduring image, and the ones that immediately followed, remain a defining cultural touchpoint in Australia as the Socceroos finally made it back to the World Cup after a 32-year absence.
They are images that can flood you with the same overwhelming emotions as fresh as the time it happened.
It starts with a classic pose. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
Then the instinct to take the shirt off. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
Here it goes. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
And that is what pure bliss looks like. (Getty Images: Matthew King)
Time for everyone to join the party. (Getty Images: Mark Kolbe)
It is the type of moment that remains plastered on your wall, through decades, house moves, and significant life changes.
Because every time you look at it, it reignites that deep, raw passion that sport is so powerful at extracting.
Only the best bedroom posters survive the decades. (ABC News: Amanda Shalala)
It is lore for any Australian — including those too young to remember, or not even born, at the time. The tales of the heartbreak in previous failed qualifying campaigns make the victory a thousand times sweeter.
And as much as the Mark Schwarzer saves and the Aloisi penalty are what are most remembered from the game, recapturing the feeling deep in your gut as it somersaulted and joyously exploded is best done when watching the fans' reactions at the time.
Watch this. Sound on.
Loading...Much like a musician who is expected to play their biggest hit at every gig, Aloisi, who has since accomplished plenty more in the game, is still happy to spin his number one record.
"For people still to be talking about it, it's incredible, it's amazing the impact it has had," he told Daniela Intili on ABC Weekend Breakfast.
"It changed the nation's perception, it changed the world's perception of us."
Loading...Of course, there are still those people who do not quite get sport, do not understand the fuss over a football result from decades ago.
But that is their loss.
What it can bring to individuals, communities, and countries is intangible, but visceral and potent. And any chance to relive that is worthwhile.