In the months of September and October 1979, North America's New York Cosmos, filled with ageing superstars, embarked on a tour of Asia and Australia. The tour was organised by Australian soccer legend, Johnny Warren, who had become friends with Cosmos team manager, Julio Mazzei, while chaperoning Australian juniors to the Pelé soccer camps in the USA.
 
When Warren returned to Australia, he sought financial backing from the Australian Soccer Federation and even renowned Sydney retail entrepreneur, Frank Lowy. Neither were interested. Warren used his position as a soccer columnist to vent his frustrations and soon after received a call from entertainment booking agency, International Artists.
 
International Artists promoted the game extensively in newspapers, on radio and through television commercials (unheard of for soccer in Australia at the time). They also pre-sold tickets, some 43,000, which was a first. The game took place at the Sydney Showgrounds. However, an estimated 15,000 additional fans turned up, climbing over walls, back fences and side gates to get in on the action.
 
A header by Australian defender, Tony Henderson, won it for the home side. The crowd spilled onto the pitch when referee, Tony Boskovic, blew the final whistle.
 
A once-in-a-lifetime event!