Looking back to when India beat Australia in football at the Olympics

The country became the first Asian nation to reach the semi-final of the football tournament at the Olympics.

With all due respect to modern-day players and the coaching staff, India’s performances historically have been far better than their present ones. One of the high points in Indian football’s history came back in 1956 when the country beat the mighty Australians in the football tournament at the Summer Olympics. 

While the gulf between the two nations only grows bigger in football today, it was not always the case back in the 1950s. By defeating the hosts and dashing their dreams of gold at home, the Indian national football team wrote their name in the history books. They became the first Asian nation to reach the semi-final stage at the Olympics football tournament.

Here is a look back at that memorable moment in history when India beat Australia in football at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia:

The Match

Indian football team met Australia after getting a walkover in the first round with Hungary not playing at the tournament. Under the guidance of legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim, India went on to defeat the hosts by a 4-2 scoreline. 

Neville D’Souza of India scored a fantastic hat-trick in the win against Australia. Two of his three goals came in the first half. Samar Banerjee was the team's captain back then and legendary Indian footballer P.K. Banerjee was also a part of the squad. J. Krishnaswamy scored India’s fourth to secure an impressive win that would later become historical. 

It was a show of grit and determination by the Indians who were playing against the Australian players and the crowd who were supporting them in large numbers. There were about 7,413 spectators in attendance to witness the exciting contest at the Olympic Park Stadium in Melbourne.

Semi-Final

India were up against Yugoslavia in the semi-final, a tough tie. The Europeans were a dominant footballing side back in those days and handed the Indians a 4-1 defeat. Neville D’Souza scored India’s solitary goal. 

The bronze medal match saw India come up against Bulgaria. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise memorable campaign at the Olympics for Syed Abdul Rahim’s men. Post a 3-0 defeat against the Bulgarians, India failed to secure a spot on the podium but had created history nonetheless.

The Soviet Union went on to win gold by defeating Yugoslavia in the final who instead had to settle for silver. Bulgaria took bronze by defeating India as the Asian nation finished fourth, their highest-ever finish in the football tournament at the Olympics. Neville D’Souza of India was the joint-top scorer at the 1956 Olympics football tournament with four goals alongside Todor Veselinović of Yugoslavia and Dimitar Stoyanov of Bulgaria.

The win against Australia is still remembered as a moment in history where Indian football truly blossomed on the international stage. While the Indian national team struggles in present times to improve its FIFA ranking and quality of football, the win against the Aussies back in 1956 remains a source of inspiration.