The Socceroos and their passionate fan-base epitomise contemporary Australia in many ways. They are multicultural, plucky, spirited and friendly.
As we count down the hours until the Socceroos’ campaign begins, it is worth reflecting on how the Socceroos and the travelling Aussie fans could help shape views on Australia and our international reputation.
Of course, much of that will be determined on the pitch and how Australia’s young team rises to the challenge of our tough Group B.
But beyond that, there are a number of ways that the world may perceive aspects of modern Australia through the Socceroos and Aussie fans.
First of all, the very fact that Australia’s road to qualification for Brazil was through Asia tells a story.
In pure footballing terms, it is under appreciated just how tough the road to qualification was – toiling away in the heat of the Middle East, struggling against the skilful teams and passionate crowds of North Asia and facing off against the up-and-coming footballing nations of South-East Asia.
And of course, membership of the fast-growing Asian confederation gives us so much to look forward to in terms of growth and business potential for the game.
But beyond football, it underlines to the rest of the world our broader reality – Australia is now, and will be even more so in the future, very much a part of Asia.
Secondly, the make-up of the Socceroos team reflects Australia’s modern multicultural society and helps tell Australia’s story of migration.
Taking a look at the Socceroos’ squad, you see names from all over the world.
From the coach of the team Ange Postecoglou (Greek) to the captain of the team Mile Jedinak (Croatian heritage). There is Mark Bresciano (Italian heritage) and Massismo Luongo (of Indonesian and Italian heritage). There is Matt McKay (Scottish heritage) and Matt Ryan (Irish heritage).
The names of Australia’s footballing heroes are an echo of Australia’s migration history.
I doubt it’ll be too long before we see more players of Asian and African heritage in the squad. And there may not be any Indigenous players in the current squad, but again, it won’t be too long before there is another Indigenous Australian donning the green and gold.
Our, for the most part, harmonious, multicultural society is a great asset for Australia internationally – an example for the world – and the Socceroos help tell this story.
The third point is what Australian fans bring to the table.
Australians will once again be one of the larger travelling fan groups in Brazil. Led by established fan groups such as the Green and Gold Army and the Fanatics, among others, most Aussie fans are passionate and friendly and generally make a positive impression overseas, like they did in Germany and South Africa. This can only help reinforce Australia’s reputation as a friendly place.
The final point is the cliché – that great Australian ‘never say die’ spirit.
Australians are known to perform at their best when our backs are up against the wall – in short, we seem to be the perpetual ‘underdogs’.
The Socceroos have a chance to demonstrate this spirit to the world – they will need this pluck in spades in the coming 10 days, starting very soon against the exciting and up-and-coming South American side, Chile.
Go the Socceroos!
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