The first of two magnificent volumes from Emeritus Professor of History, John Maynard, on the Socceroos journey through World Cup qualifying campaigns. Volume 1 starts with the campaign to make the 1966 World Cup in England, which ended for Australia in Phnom-Penh in 1965; includes the first time Australia qualified for the World Cup held in West Germany in 1974; and ends with the defeat in Montevideo in 2001 in the final play-off match against Uruguay. Socceroos - A World Cup Odyssey is an in-depth look at the team's history with commentary on every qualifying match, the role and decisions of governing bodies such as FIFA and Football Australia, media coverage, and the reception afforded to players and coaches. It is a significant history of the game: simultaneously viewed through the expert eyes of an eminent historian, and written by a passionate, lifelong fan.