Socceroos War Cry (Guest post – Johnny Collivas)

By tdf, June 14, 2014

Whilst my own allegiances are split between Italy and England, due to the nature of my crimson rivers, I live in Australia, where the game is growing in popularity year on year.

The socceroos have been drawn in a tough group. For the Aussies, it is wretched, yet there are tougher draws in other groups. D and G are more interesting from my perspective, for every team could stake a legitimate claim to expectations of progression.

However, this story is about Australia. And it would be wonderful for the game here, as well as to keep the focus of the world cup alive and blossoming, were big Ange Postegoclou to forge a solid showing.

Most of the reportage I have consumed regarding the socceroos, has come from europeans, so I asked a brotherly friend of mine to put together some words, as a war cry to the country, with his heart roaring for his countrymen. So please take a peek below, and learn a little more of the evolution which could well be taking place as Cahill and the lads step onto the field against Chile tomorrow.

Who believes in Ange Postecoglou?

OH NO!! If you’re Australian, don’t go getting too excited about our country playing in the World Cup this weekend. Haven’t you heard?? We’re going to get hammered. And we’re going to get hammered, every-single-game! After all, only Algeria in the 32 country competition have less experience than us. What about our group? Are you frightened? Chile has produced their best team in a generation, Holland are pure heavyweights, and Spain (gulp), are World Champions!
Should we even turn up? Or if we do, sounds like we should bring our own paddles.

What a pity. Instead of celebrating every single moment of making it to the big dance, it seems that the majority of Aussies are choosing to sleep with the light on.
When did intimidation become part of that famous Aussie spirit? I can answer this one…… it’s not.
Those two 6-0 losses to Brazil and France last year sure did a lot of damage huh?
I remember watching those defeats thinking how far back we had gone. Our Socceroos, looking tired and slow with no belief in their coach. All the previous 10 years of progress, buried in 180 minutes.

Change was required, and a big ass broom to assist it. We needed new players, a new philosophy but most significantly, a new coach. Enter Ange Postecoglou. With that appointment, concern was substituted with excitement. I’ll explain why in just a second, but first I want to encourage all Australian fans to take a deep breath and turn the light off. Uncover your eyes, remove your finger nails from your teeth and take another breath. The Socceroos are going to be just fine.

“I compare being a coach to being a shark, you have to keep moving forward, or you die.”

Kapow! What a quote and insight into the man. Once a no frills defender, under the guidance of the legendary Ference Pouskas, Postecoglou first showed his leadership qualities by captaining South Melbourne to an unforgettable championship back in the old National Soccer League. He is daring and not one to look back. Throughout his decorated and unmatched coaching career in Australia, he has continuously displayed his fearless approach to move on successful, experienced players that were past their prime and replace them with youth. The kids in his team never look like they’re floundering in the deep end. They play with confidence, intelligence and faith in his system, like a proper team should…..This is his talent. It has won him 4 championships in Australia including a record breaking 36 game undefeated streak with the Brisbane Roar and taking South Melbourne to the FIFA World Club Championships, ironically hosted in Brazil. Just last year, a baby faced and barely professional Melbourne Victory were not over awed to play quality football against Liverpool in front of 95,000 people at the M.C.G. Remember, no fear!

The same is already happening with the Socceroos. The likes of Neil, Emerton, Kewell, Wilkshire and Shwarzer have left the building….a new breed is being groomed. The Postecoglou era has begun!

Yeah yeah, I can hear you scoff. The domestic games lack of resources and quality is not lost on me either. What is the same though is the species of man that he has coached. That does not change.
The Socceroos will remember that it’s a two horse race. That there’s the same amount of men on each team and that anything can happen on the day.

So then Aussies, it’s time to dream again. Time to imagine and romanticize! Not with blind optimism, but with a belief that the rebuilding of our national football team is in tremendous hands.

The first steps of a beautiful journey begins this weekend at the Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
Enjoy it, cheer strong and don’t be frightened!

We have nothing to lose!

johnny