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.
B.C Queenslander
Guest
Sorry dareth 7, I'm too uneducated to make any sense of your drivel.
Eamonn Flanagan
Guest
Well we're on the up! We won no games in the first 76 years of World Cup football, playing at just one Finals. Now in the space of 4 years we've played two Finals and won two games. Progress? But the cupboard, while it looks a tad bare from here on in a few more friendlies and Asia Cup in January not to mention Olympic qualifiers and we'll see the talent start to be challenged as we prepare for the next group of World Cup qualifiers. And of course the Socceroos will continue to play meaningful games, with or without World Cups. And that is the point of improvement long term. Some of those 6 year olds who saw the German campaign might be pondering their next move now they are 10! Who knows what impact the new game has on those young kids?
Baz35
Guest
officially the least intelligible post on roar ever!
Dareth 7
Guest
B.C Queenslander, you uneducated fool... You ask what Brendan Fevola has to do with anything, it is a comment that not only permeates the views on Australias world cup campaigns but also on the mindset that some of us adopt, we at times bring this ignorance to everything we view. It is an opinion and to assume hatred is involved is in itself ignorance. The point you "attempt" to make is unintelligent and unfounded.
B.C Queenslander
Guest
Can someone explain to me what the heck Brendan Fevola and other AFL players have got to do with with this? stoffy18 are you so full of hatred for our glorious national game that is a beacon of light illuminating great athleticism, skill, and excitement against the dull and bland backdrop of the soccer w/c, that you can't resist a bitch slap? You and your likeminded friends can rail all you like about our spectacular game and our brilliant athletes, even the ones with flaws similar to the flaws many people in society have. But your hatred will hurt you more in the long run.
Lazza
Guest
Never did Brazil any harm. Defense is also part of the game republican. Brazil have been the best attacking side and Italy the best defensive team. That's why those two nations have won the most World Cups.
Lazza
Guest
We haven't got enough grounds, facilities or coaches for the kids who want to play Football now. The sports booming with kids and the ladies are taking it up in huge numbers as well. Getting kids to play the game has never been a problem. Directing all that talent into a proper youth development program that produces international class players is the problem. Hopefully theyre doing that now with all those Dutch technicians we've imported.
apaway
Guest
HH Sorry, mate, we're not top in League either. I believe New Zealand are the reigning World Champs there.
Republican
Guest
Is Mother Albion 'good'? I would have thought that they have the pedigree to be adfforded such status yet they continuosly under perform. This game of Soccer does not encourage any exposure of 'good' teams because it inhibits rather than rewards positive attacking play - in the main.
Towser
Guest
Agree with your sentiments Davstar. But the only way it will happen is to state the obvious,keep improving the standard of the A-League. Good signs with returning Socceroos,better quality of import for players & overseas coaches now being attracted. Need Moolah though & lots of it.
Davstar
Guest
We are not that good omg who told you? we have not got 1 world class player and we have not produced a top quality players since the NSL days. Australia loves the Socceroos because they have alot of heart and spirit which i feel they showed against Ghana, not to metion football is the one sport in the world everyone wants to be good at. Australia needs to produce a starting XI that are playing for clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Barca etc if they ever want to even be considered WC contenders. I mixed emotions about weather i agree with the Article but i think the clubless players part is correct. We need to stop sending players in dud asia leagues and lower level leagues in europe. It is absolutly pointless to go the league 1 in england to sit on the bench. The only players that should transfer overseas should be to a 1st division side in one of the top 6 or 7 leagues in europe, or else the A-league will be a breeding ground for cheap talent for other leagues that dont do anything benefit to the australian national team and Australian footallers.
The Bear
Guest
Nicely put.
Phutbol
Guest
Quite right HH. A lot of people also seem to forget that 16 teams dont get to the second stage of a WC finals, and as has already been said there will be higher ranked teams with much greater football pedigree and history that will also bow out. Its absolutely no disgrace to fall at the group stage. How you fall is relevant though ie French style capitulation, or (hopefully) a courageous effort that is either good enough, or if it falls short, is one the team and its supporters can be proud of.
sheek
Guest
There is a lot of goodwill towards the Socceroos & football in this country. We're not mugs. At least most of us aren't. We might love our Australian rules football, but we know our champion athletes won't be tested on the international stage. At least not into the foreseeable future. We might love our rugby league, but we know there are only 3 countries that play the game with any worthwhile degree of skill - us, the Kiwis & Poms. The Kangaroos are a big fish in an awfully small pond. Similarly, we might love our rugby union, but again there are only 4-5 countries that play the game with any worthwhile degree of skill, no matter what the majority of northern hemisphere countries might think. Like the Kangaroos, the Wallabies are a largish fish is a medium size pond. But to be the best at football, that's something else again. It's the world game. Climb to the top of the mountain in football, & you most definitely have bragging rights. It's as big & as good as it gets. Whether a greater awareness of football in this country & its significance on the world stage will encourage more parents in the future to direct their children to football, remains to be seen. But certainly the appreciation & goodwill is there, I believe.
sheek
Guest
Thanks Punter, I will take that as a huge compliment!
Towser
Guest
"Either way, there will be time for reflection, & to learn. It’s a long road to the top, & any worthwhile road is tough. Australian soccer can be great in the future, but we’re going to have to work awfully hard at developing our game & players." Pretty much sums up where were at . There is one major difference though from the past in my experience of following the game here. Its the wiil on behalf of Australians to want to keep learning & improving the game. Something I believe was lacking. Perhaps its Asia ,perhaps its qualifying for 2 world cups in a row or the advent of the A-League or the coaching programs put into place to improve football technique ,tactical awareness etc. Who knows. Personally I think that its finally sunk into a sporting conscious nation like Australia,where National identity is formed by Sporting acheivments more than most, that Football can put you onto the highest platform both in sport & as a nation. But its bloody hard consistent work as you say.
bazza667
Roar Rookie
I agree with the article as well We appear to be a mid-level side, capable of an upset on the day - but getting past the group stage would be a success but not expected. If our players were world class they would be starting for the top teams in England, Italy, Germany and France rather than filling the gaps in the lower teams there or playing in places like Turkey
bazza667
Roar Rookie
If you just want drama punter why don't you just watch Neigbours or something?
punter
Guest
You aint wrong there Towser. While these superstars are paid millions, the pressure on them by the media in England, Italy Brazil & other top countries would make most wonder whether the millions are worth it.
bazza667
Roar Rookie
From memory they got the lead in the end with 2 late goals - so add an extra 5 minutes