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Australian sporting history thrives on numbers. 99.94 was the average of Sir Donald Bradman, 1,360 goals was Tony Lockett’s figure and the “Woodies” chimed in with 11 doubles grand slams.
One is the number of wins the Socceroos have notched up at the World Cup.This is a stat that commonly gets covered up by the egoistic Australians that portray themselves as supporters – the bandwagon jumpers, so to speak.
Football in Australia, like various animals, goes into hibernation in the off season, barely to be talked about and with little evidence of its existence. In fact, if not for the World Cup, you could be excused for not knowing we had a national team.
Enter the World Cup.
SBS score ratings, fanatics score football and advertisements score a gullible audience.
Enter Australians.
Locals endorse patriotism, locals endorse overconfidence and locals endorse ignorance.
Place me on a stand and trial me for treason if you must, but hear me out please.
June 14 2010. Australia vs Germany was a landmark game in our countries unprosperous football history. At 4.30am EST a nation tuned in, scoffing at German confidence. At 6:00am a nation tuned out, some went to sleep, some cried and some started the blame game. Apparently it was all Pim Verbeeks fault. That clog wearing guy who resides in that nation that’s below sea level.
Whilst the journalists were busy at their stations with a Pim related article in line, a new antagonist had Australians pointing the finger. Marco Rodriguez, hardly a household name, but the Mexican official was quick to stamp his mark on the World Cup, dismissing Australia’s “Golden Boy” Tim Cahill for a tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Australians couldn’t believe it; a ludicrous decision in their eyes, a red card was not warranted. Their probably right you know, I mean at least the tackle wasn’t terribly late and from behind…
That moment has passed, Ghana was now the focus.
Back to the numbers, 11 stood for a dozen minutes as the figure of the nation. The 11th minute saw the Australians take a shock lead through scorned midfielder Brett Holman, whose tap in goal saw critics fly off his back quicker than his hands went in the air.
13 was the number of minutes that lead lasted. The glorified Socceroos fell victim to another dubious referring decision as the number 13 retained its unfavourable nature.
90 was the minute mark that signalled the end of a match that left the Australians scratching their heads for answers, although a quick scratch was soon substituted for a finger point as round two of the blame game recommenced.
News of the Harry Kewell handball spread across the Australian borders quicker than a wild fire, but this time everyone felt the need to voice their opinion.
AFL footballers were amongst the many that viewed the match on television – they would do anything to support their fellow footballing colleagues. Brendon Fevola summed it up professionally: “disgraceful”. Thanks for that in-depth match report Brendon, off you go, back to a life plagued with controversies, that really is pot calling the kettle black.
10 million is the number of Australians that jumped off the bandwagon after the loss. They soon jumped back on when Craig Foster said we were still a chance – any opportunity to continue indulging in sport combined with celebratory drinks is too good to pass on.
Zero is the number of dollars being earned by Nitika Rukavytsya and Craig Moore for club. Both find themselves unemployed due to homesickness or incompetence, depending on how lenient you’re willing to be. A lack of preparation could certainly be tying down their input? Or that may just be Mr Verbeek or the referees’ incompetence draining through.
For the Australian footballing fanatics, take a step back, breathe, and enjoy the games without bringing an opinionated mindset to every viewing.
Zero is the number of people that are likely to agree with me.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.