Australia started a busy 2001 with an away friendly in Bogota, Colombia where they went three goals behind to the hosts before pulling two back late. In April, Australia commenced their qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup by hosting a group of five in the OFC qualification First Round at Coffs Harbour. In the first game against Tonga, Australia set a new world record for an international football match when they won 22–0. Just two days later, they broke that record when they won 31–0 against American Samoa. Archie Thompson also set an individual world record by scoring 13 goals in the game. With Australia winning their next two games they comfortably proceeded to the OFC Final Round against New Zealand later in the year.