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It was inevitable Australia would be eliminated at some stage of the World Cup – only the most one-eyed fan would have predicted Australia to win the tournament.
Unfortunately it happened before my liking, but realistically the group stage was probably where we would make our exit.
At a long shot, we could have snuck into the second round, but we would have needed a fantastic, miraculous run to get further into the tournament. But, as it was, the Socceroos played amazing and inspiring football and provided moments of joy and agony.
They played their part well and it is time to move on and dream with genuine belief that football is headed in the right direction in Australia. The A-League is growing and tracking along nicely with attendances and television audiences growing with each season.
The FFA Cup will serve as a fantastic way to encourage the second tier clubs. The ducks are lining up for Football Australia.
But with Australia out, who do I support now?
Most of us share ties to our ancestral homes of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, China and Vietnam – unfortunately on the planes home already, if they even qualified – but many of us will identify with Greece, Germany, France, the US and the other involved countries to varying degrees.
This is as good a place to start as any. The recent announcement to curtail nationalism and ethnicity in Australian clubs may come from the right place, but I think football can transcend the tricky slopes of political correctness and we can all celebrate in what should be the greatest party the world throws on a regular basis.
If not, you could support the underdog in a particularly Australian way of thinking. A close match brings with it a certain dramatic tension often leading to incredible matches. I think, all of the group winners should go through to the quarter finals, but upsets abound in the World Cup, so enjoy the ride.
Simpler still, support the team you think plays in the most attractive way. What does that mean? Ask around, everyone has a view on what nice football looks like.
Some love the brilliant technical ability and all round team unity of the Germans, others the magical way Lionel Messi can make the best defenders look like they are playing in their first match.
Be political in your choice. Or you can cheer purposefully against your friends.
The football World Cup represents the best of humanity. The whole world, coming together regardless of differences and enjoying some quality football – fewer countries are signatories to the UN than are to FIFA.
Forget that FIFA are probably corrupt, forget the biting incident and enjoy it – it happens but once in four years. It unites people in a way that only sport can, and – as the biggest sport in the world a way that only football can.
It is a four-year wait to the next big party, so get involved and enjoy the spectacle now. I guarantee you will enjoy it or hate it, but win or lose it is better to have loved and lost to have never loved at all.
Some amazing games of football are about to be played. Get on those bandwagons.
That’s right I want you to support a team, any team and for any reason.
Be gracious in victory and in defeat and cheer, for without the fans, this great game would not exist.
Go Colombia!
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