Australia’s 2010 World Cup hopes were hanging in the balance when the ball broke Luke Wilkshire in the penalty area.
“I still think about it now, and I remember it now,” he told Wide World of Sports.
“This was my only moment for glory, and I screwed it up.”
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The Socceroos were fresh from a thrashing at the hands of Germany and were fighting hard against 10-man Ghana, Harry Kewell having been sent off on the goal line for a handball.
That incident had also led to the penalty Asamoah Gyan slotted home to make it 1-1, canceling out Brett Holman’s opener.
After an excellent pass from David Carney, Wilkshire, the reliable right-back, somehow found himself in acres of space in the penalty area.
Luke Wilkshire reacts after his last chance against Ghana at the 2010 World Cup. (Getty)
But with almost too much time to choose his spot, his shot was struck straight at goalkeeper Richard Kingson, and Josh Kennedy’s header was also cleared.
“I was never one for the limelight and the headlines, but that would have gotten me,” Wilkshire said.
“It could have been a big difference and obviously would have put us through the group, but I think things happen for a reason.”
As a result, the Socceroos went into their final group game against Serbia needing a win and a huge change in goal difference after their heavy defeat against Germany in the opening game, to qualify.
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“The character and reaction of the players was the best,” Wilkshire said of the group’s response in their second and third games.
“It’s easy for players to go down after losing 4-0, and even going down to 10 men in the second game.”
With Serbia also needing a win to advance, the game promised to be relatively open, but it took 68 minutes for the opener, Wilkshire picking out Tim Cahill with a superb cross and the superstar goalscorer headed home.
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“We went into that game still believing we were going to win it, and in the other game Germany could do us a favor,” Wilkshire said.
Brett Holman doubled the lead with a screamer four minutes later, but there was just one problem: They needed a combined five-goal swing between the two legs, and Germany only won 1-0 as time ticked down.
“100 per cent,” Wilkshire said when asked if he was dirty because the Germans hadn’t piled up the goals.
“With the quality of that squad they had, we thought for sure they would win at least two or three, which would give us a good chance. But we were pushing hard, and that first game let us down.”
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A late Serbian goal would make it 2-1, leaving Australia happy with a consolation win.
As in 2006, they finished the group stage with four points, but unlike that campaign, it was not enough to reach the knockout stages.
Although he always thinks about it, Wilkshire said he has never looked back at this opportunity against Ghana.
“I’ve never watched a game, I don’t like watching my games, I don’t want to watch it again,” he said.
“I know, I know in my head, but that’s football.”
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