Socceroo Craig Moore joins hall of fame

Craig Moore, one of the heroes of Australia’s high-flying 2006 World Cup, has been inducted into soccer’s hall of fame.

The resolute defender nominated as his personal highlight the 2-2 draw with Croatia in Stuttgart which sent the Socceroos into the World Cup’s final 16 for the first and so far only time.

Moore, who scored a penalty in that match, said he always had his hand up to take a spot kick, reasoning that “defenders don’t often get the chance to score at the World Cup finals”.

Moore represented his country at every under age level – under 17, under 19 and under 23 – and two FIFA World Cup finals.

He played over 420 professional club matches for Glasgow Rangers, Crystal Palace, Borussia Monchengladbach and Newcastle United, and in Australia for Queensland Roar as the club’s captain and marquee player for three seasons.

His 52 Socceroos caps included the drought-breaking World Cup qualifying victory over Uruguay in 2005.

His courage and resilience were evident when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008, but after treatment was given the all-clear and resumed his playing career.

He earned a recall to the Socceroos for the 2010 World Cup campaign and finals.

Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley described him as “one of the true greats of the modern game”.

Joining Moore in the hall of champions was Di Alagich, whose 85 appearances for the Matildas included a pivotal role in the team’s inaugural World Cup wins.

The Adelaide defender started in every one of Australia’s World Cup and Olympic Games matches from 1999 to 2007.

Two journalists were inducted into the hall of honour; Sydney Morning Herald and Fox Sports commentator Mike Cockerill and Australian Associated Press veteran Ted Simmons, who is still working as a journalist at the age of 83.

“Their contributions to the game using the written word have created a vivid, tangible and lasting impact on football in Australia,” said Buckley.

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