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Tel (02) 9901 6100 Fax (02) 9901 6116 Websites fourfourtwo.com.au thewomensgame.com FTBL.com.au Email [email protected] Straight from the stands [email protected] [email protected] Facebook www.facebook.com/FourFourTwoOz Twitter @FourFourTwoOz You can follow me Instagram @FourFourTwoOz or send me a tweet on @KevinAirs442 Australian Editorial Team Angela Bacic @AngeBacic, John Davidson @JohnnyDDavidson, Cheryl Downes @ChicasFootball, Look, to be honest, I’ve been having mixed emotions about going to Russia for the Leo James @RealLeoJames, Lucas Radbourne-Pugh @LucasRadbourne, Ben Somerford @BenSomerford, World Cup. Obviously IT’S THE WORLD CUP, and I’m actually going to be PAID TO BE Con Stamocostas @ConStama10, Kathy Stone THERE and how good is THAT? But also, it’s, well, you know... Russia. Not, say, Brazil. @SheWritesMe, Clement Tito @ClementGTito It’s not the home of football, by any definition, and if anything it is the home of a Art Director Danny McGonigle nation that continually underperforms in the sport. It’s a primary sport for them, there’s plenty of money in the country (look what Russian money has done for football Group Editor Kevin Airs @KevinAirs442 Head of Sport - Digital @ Next Media elsewhere...) Yet they have never even made a significant impact at club or continental Email [email protected] level, never mind on the world stage. ADVERTISING And then there are the fans. They also love their football, but they don’t mess about. Head of Sport - Sales Poke that bear and they will bite you. Bloody hard. Apologists insist their hooligans only Adam Jackson fight other hooligans – but there are a crowd of England fans from Marseille in 2016 Tel (02) 9901 6109 Email [email protected] (some of whom had admittedly been baiting the Russian fans earlier) who will disagree. But only from a safe distance now, because they frankly don’t want to risk any repeat PUBLISHING of that experience. In fact, by April, World Cup ticket sales didn’t even put England – just Prepress Manager Jonathan Bishop a five hour flight from Moscow – in the top ten of nations snapping up tickets, lagging Production Manager Alison Begg Circulation Director Carole Jones behind USA, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, China, Germany, Australia... and even India. That is amazing, given past English World Cup crusades by their fans. Associate Publisher - Sport Hamish Bayliss But now, a few days before I fly out, I cannot wait to get there. The word from Russia FOURFOURTWO GLOBAL is simply this: Putin will not let ANYTHING spoil this World Cup. It will be a showcase for UK Editor Hitesh Ratna Russia and the Russian ultras have been told to pull their heads in. And what Putin says, International Director Matt Ellis Global Brand Director Andy Jackson Putin gets. It will happen (so they say...). I sincerely hope so. My media passes for all the Kazan and Australia games are in my sweaty paw. I’m going to see not only the Socceroos, but also France, Spain, Germany, Colombia, South Korea, Iran and Poland (plus of course Denmark and Peru...) I’m probably

Subscriptions hotline 1300 361 146 going to get confused and lost, eat badly, sleep badly, drink too much, and feel elation Email [email protected] and devastation in equal measure – and it will be one of the best months of my life. Level 6, Building A, 207 Paciﬁc Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 I cannot wait. Bring it on. GIVE ME FOOTBALL (and at least one Australia win please!) Locked Bag 5555 St Leonards NSW 1590

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This magazine is published by nextmedia Pty Ltd ACN: 128 805 970, Level 6, Building A, 207 Paciﬁc Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 © 2017 under licence from Future plc. ISSN 1355027X. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher.Printed by Bluestar WEB, Sydney, distributed in Australia by Gordon & Gotch. The publisher will not accept responsibility or any liability for the Kevin Airs correctness of information or opinions expressed in the publication. All material submitted is at the owner’s risk and, while every care will Editor be taken nextmedia does not accept liability for loss or damage.

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Printed on paper sustainably sourced from PEFC certiﬁed forests fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 7 UPFRONT 28 10 One on One Nigel De Jong 16 12 Global Stories 18 My Greatest Goal Alex Brosque 20 Where to Watch the World Cup 22 Battle of the One Cup Wonders 24 At The End Of The Day Michael Valkanis 26 My Best Mate’s A Football Star Caitlin Foord and Steph Dhin

FEATURES

28 And If You Know Your History... The heroes of Australia’s past World Cup campaigns relive the thrills and change room secrets

46 Legends At Last We hail the Socceroos making their likely World Cup swansong at Russia 2018 68 56 Stars of The World Cup No Pogba, no party 60 Belgium’s Very English Problem Their Lampard and Gerrard issues 62 Bobby Dazzler Robert Firmino is trophy-focused 66 ‘I Want To Break Records’ Son Heung-min wants history 68 Go Mo! Could an Egyptian win the World Cup – or at least the Golden Boot? Mo Salah hopes so 70 Beating Brazil 7-1 Felt Strange! Will Mats Hummels do it again? 72 Relax, Jesse’s Got This 80 94 Watch out for the goal celebration 80 Pele, Pogba...PICKFORD?? Who will be the best young star?

84 Heads Up! Is the threat of Russian hooligans as bad as feared? We ﬁnd out... PERFORMANCE

94 Masterclass Gabriel Jesus 96 Like A Pro 97 Tried And Tested 98 My Perfect XI Matt Smith STADIUM SOUND FROM YOUR COUCH

Love NRL, AFL, Football, Motorsports, All Sports or high energy Movies? Want to feel like part of the action? JBLs new range of Soundbars deliver thumping bass performance and superior HD sound. jbl.com.au. Available at Harvey Norman and JB HI FI. UPFROnT UPFROnT SPINELESS Argentine second-tier outﬁt Santamarina’s difﬁcult >< season got worse when their training ground was dug up in the middle of the night... by men looking for worms to sell to anglers

There aren’t many footballers called other friends who tried to make money Nigel, let alone Dutch ones – where in different ways, but luckily I steered OnE-On-OnE did the name come from? away from that – my mum was strict! Nigel Robinson, via Facebook It was actually my mum’s choice. There Which players did you love watching was a well-known violinist called Nigel when you were growing up? Kennedy back in the day, and the racing Sebastian Price, Surrey driver Nigel Mansell was pretty famous I loved Fernando Redondo. He’s one of when I was born, so she decided to call my favourite players of all time. Romario nIGEL DE JOnG me that. It’s an English name, so maybe is another favourite because he played that was prophetic. with my dad at PSV. I got to watch him at training and also inside the dressing Interview Alec Fenn Photography Stefan Grey Your father, Jerry, won three caps for room. I saw him as a player but also as the Netherlands – can you remember a personality and that rubbed off on me. watching him play? I loved how he created chances out of Tony Barnes, London absolutely nothing. Patrick Vieira, who WOULD HE GET THE BETTER OF ROY KEAnE? As a little kid I’d dreamed of becoming is now a good friend of mine, was also a footballer, and that was my dad’s job a role model, and I was a massive fan DOES ‘THE LAWnMOWER’ MOW HIS OWn LAWn? so I loved watching him play. My mum of Roy Keane, too. I loved Keane’s heart, and dad separated when I was young, he was fearless. Even though he wasn’t HAS HE EVER SPOKEn TO ALOnSO ABOUT THAT TACKLE? but I watched a lot of him on TV when a big guy like Duncan Ferguson, he was I could. Watching him gave me an urge the man. I used to watch the Premier It’s a roasting hot day in Mainz, the He turned 33 last year, and it seems to play in front of 50,000 fans one day. League when I was a kid and he always small German city sat cozily on the De Jong may have mellowed with age. His criticism about my game was always had that look in his eyes that told you banks of the Rhine that’s home to He’s willing to lark about with the toy very constructive. It was my mum who he meant business. It was like he was around 200,000 people, and FFT has mower our snapper has brought along was a bit harsher on me! saying, ‘It isn’t happening today mate, just asked Nigel de Jong to clamber for the photoshoot, and has only just this is my territory’. People forget that aboard a giant lawnmower and look returned from a three-day trip to Ibiza Was it a tough childhood growing up he was a great footballer – he scored moody for the cameras. “I can do with his Mainz team-mates, after the in west Amsterdam? banging goals, was a box-to-box player that,” he says with a smirk, before Bundesliga side avoided the drop with Andy van Ruijn, Utrecht and good passer. If I’d played against jumping on top of an orange mower a surprise win over Borussia Dortmund. It was, but I was fortunate that I had him, he would have come out on top! and gripping the steering wheel. Despite touching down in Germany a mother who pushed me to do well at The choice of garden machinery is a few hours earlier, Nigel is fresh-faced school. I would always be outside with I once read that you have a degree in deliberate – it’s a nod to the nickname after a light training session and ready my boys playing football. You have to economics. Is that true? he was given by Manchester City fans to talk to us about subjects including remember, this was pre-social media, Doug Cooper, Dundee during his three-year stay at the Etihad his admiration for Roy Keane, learning so there wasn’t a great deal to do but Yes, I graduated in 2001 in Amsterdam. Chris Flanagan Stadium, in tribute to the Dutchman’s his trade alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, kick your ball and try to improve your It was really important for me to learn chopping tackles and the all-action making Pep Guardiola angry, ﬂogging skills in the streets. We would hop from about ﬁnance. You see a lot of athletes style that has been his trademark at cars to Robin van Persie and, yes, that neighbourhood to neighbourhood and now who simply don’t understand their

Upfront editor Upfront seven clubs in six different countries. challenge on Xabi Alonso... just chill with the other boys. I did have own money. It should be impossible for

10 February July 2018 2016 fourfourtwo.com.auFourFourTwo.com CLUBS 2002-2006 Ajax 2006-2009 Hamburg 2009-2012 Manchester City 2012-2016 Milan 2016 LA Galaxy 2016-18 Galatasaray 2018- Mainz

COUNTRY 2004-15 Netherlands

“I WAS ALWAYS COVERING EVERY BLADE OF GRASS, SO CITY’S FANS CALLED ME THE LAWNMOWER” UPFROnT

“I DON’T MISS ALL THE RAIN IN MANCHESTER, BUT I DO MISS GOING DOWN THE PUB TO HAVEA SUNDAYROAST”

a top-level professional to go broke, but You just don’t see those battles between You played in a team with Rafael van I haven’t seen him for a little while, but I’ve seen it happen on many occasions. Diego Simeone and Redondo or Keane der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Zlatan it’s been great to see him go on to have I wanted to earn my degree to protect and Vieira now. I wish I could’ve played Ibrahimovic at Ajax – that must have a long, successful career. myself financially, so that I knew how to in them. It was more exciting for me to been a special time? invest sensibly and keep earning a living watch those duels than [Dwight] Yorke Arnold Wischum, Amsterdam You were once labelled a ‘right-footed after football. You need people around and [Andy] Cole scoring loads of goals, It was an incredible time. There was the Edgar Davids’ by a Dutch journalist. you with good financial knowledge, but but it’s dying out now. perfect balance of talent and experience Did you see similarities between the you need to have a base of knowledge in that line-up, and Ajax were still really two of you? yourself, too. You can have $16 million Your nickname is ‘The Lawnmower’ – competitive in the Champions League Johan der Vij, via Facebook in the bank, but if you don’t understand where did it come from and do you do at that time – we would always qualify Davids was one of my idols, but he was where it goes and how you’re spending your own mowing? and often reached the knockout stages. more of a box-to-box player. I can see it, you could end up broke. Ryan Walsh, Warrington That attracted lots of young talent from the similarities in terms of our general It started off when I was at Manchester different countries, which then created mentality, position and the fact that we As a youngster, I had the pleasure of City. I’d end up all over the pitch, always the group we had. About 80 per cent of were both schooled at Ajax, but he was seeing you and Mark van Bommel run making challenges and covering every the team I played with went on to play more attacking and technical compared the midfield in the same Dutch team. blade of grass, so the fans were calling for top European clubs. to me. I don’t want to discredit him; he Do you think the midfield destroyer is me that. I loved it though; the City fans was more than a defensive midfielder. now becoming extinct? are some of the best I’ve What was it like training with Zlatan He could score goals and create plenty Edward Machin, via Facebook ever played for. I’ve every day at Ajax? Was he really of chances as well. They are definitely dying out. I think it’s mowed my garden full of himself? because football is becoming more and a few times in the Danni Cook, via Twitter Did you have any other options when more controlled. At every match we’ve past. Most of the He’s an amazing guy. He loves Man City bought you from Hamburg got around 300 cameras, a referee and time I’ll just let to joke around. He isn’t cocky in 2009? How did you find playing for a video assistant referee. To be a tough someone else do or arrogant – he’s confident, Mark Hughes? guy, sometimes you have to do things it, but if it’s really he loves himself. I was really Ryan Rhodes, via Facebook that people don’t see, and you can’t get long and desperately good friends with him at Ajax. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that away with that sort of thing now. There’s needs it, I’ll get the I’d go to his house for some Mark Hughes gave me. I had a brilliant a bigger emphasis on technical football mower out dinner and so on. He’s a really relationship with him and still do to this and offensive players, so there are fewer and do it good dude and he’s still day. He had a very strong character and hardman midfielders. It’s a pity because myself. the same person. he was a winner, and that reflected in I loved those battles between Arsenal the type of training sessions he put and Manchester United back in the day, on. They were always very intense plus Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid. and competitive. I signed for City

12 FebruaryJuly 2018 2016 fourfourtwo.com.auFourFourTwo.com UPFROnT

when they were around 11th or 12th in Did you really believe City could turn the Premier League and I had offers to things around on the final day against go to other big teams, but they painted QPR and win the title? a great picture for me. They told me I’d Jimmy Truman, via Facebook be the first of many major signings and We were 1-0 up, we were playing a side I just needed to be patient. They said if battling against relegation, and then out I stayed at the club long enough I’d see of nowhere they came from behind and the results. I believed them, and it was were winning 2-1. At that point, we all an opportunity to play in the league I’d started to look at each other and think, watched since I was a kid. I liked being ‘It’s not going to happen, is it?’ You have the underdog. People only knew about this negative thought process initially, Manchester United but now we wanted but we refused to give up and Mancini to change that. then made some offensive changes by bringing Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli What do you think on, so we had three of Manchester as strikers on the pitch. a city? Did you Thank God it all enjoy living worked out. The there? HIgHS & LOWS way it ended was Mark Waugh, just crazy, and it’s Didsbury something you’ll It rains for about HIGH: 2004 never see again. 11 months a year Lifts the Eredivisie title with Ajax That moment as in Manchester, so at end of first full season in the Sergio Aguero I’d say it’s never Amsterdam side’s first team scored, in terms going to be one LOW: 2006 of happiness and of my top holiday Loses place in Ajax midfield, opts relief, was easily destinations. But against signing new contract the best moment apart from that, and moves to Hamburg of my career. It’s the atmosphere HIGH: 2009 what football is in Manchester Signs for Man City in $30 million all about: passion, was always great. deal on four-and-a-half-year emotion, winning. I enjoyed some of contract at Etihad Stadium I can remember the best times of LOW: 2010 sprinting towards my career in the Becomes pantomime villain after the corner flag city. It’s not quite tackle on Xabi Alonso as Dutch where Sergio was as big as London lose World Cup final to Spain celebrating with but there’s still so HIGH: 2012 his shirt off. There Top to bottom De Jong much to do. The Part of City side who dramatically were grown men ‘was taught to play with city was usually win the Premier League title on in the stands in proper technique’ when buzzing during the final day of the season tears! Everyone he started out at Ajax; the summer and LOW: 2014 was bamboozled “Gaffer, there’s no way I loved going to More World Cup agony – this time by what had just Bellamy’s been booked a pub to have a in the semi-finals as Dutch lose happened. I’m more times than me!”; Sunday roast. I’d to Argentina on penalties so happy that seeing the funny side as rate Manchester HIGH: 2018 I was part of it. tempers flare during the highly, but I won’t Helps Mainz avoid relegation from Dutch’s Euro 2008 date live there after my the Bundesliga after joining the People always with France; executing career because of German club from Galatasaray go on about how a trademark tackle for the bad weather! tough you are – Milan against Anderlecht do you think your How big a cultural shift was it when technical ability is underrated? Roberto Mancini replaced Hughes as Roger Brucht, via Facebook Man City manager? Yeah, but that’s pretty normal if you’re Ralph Williams, via Twitter a defensive midfielder. I love playing in Well, Mancini is Italian, so it came as no that position because I understand the surprise that he was tactically excellent. impact I can have on the team. People He had a different mindset to Hughes; never talk about Roy Keane’s technical he placed lots of emphasis on defensive ability; they just talk about his physical positioning. First of all, he wanted you attributes. People forget, to play in my to be defensively stable and then think position you’ve got to have technical about the second step. As a team and ability to guide the team. You’re in front individuals we underwent a pretty big of the defence and also have to feed the transition under him. Both Mancini and attacking third, so you’re in the middle, Hughes turned the club around. We won you’re key. My passing rate at every club nearly every trophy under Mancini, so it has always been good because I love to was an incredible time and he deserves play football – I was taught to play with a huge amount of credit. proper technique at Ajax.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 13 UPFROnT

Stuart Holden and Hatem Ben Arfa (above) both suffered serious injuries from your tackles – did you mean to hurt either of them? Johnny Powell, Devon No, I’ve never deliberately hurt anyone. I’ll always go in hard when it’s a 50-50 ball but I don’t want to hurt anybody – they were just unlucky challenges and unfortunately they had to sit out a part of their career to do their rehab, which I don’t feel good about. But football is a contact sport and sometimes you will get injured or injure someone. I would always go into a 50-50 harder than the other player because I didn’t want to get injured myself. I spoke to both guys “I DIDN’T EXPECT A RED FOR THE ALONSO after. I left it a bit of time and then got CHALLENGE BECAUSE IT WAS OBVIOUSLY in touch with them, and we had a chat about it. Everything’s cool now, it’s done. JUST AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY IT WAS AN ENGLISH REFEREE!” You have faced so many great players and sides in your career, but just how tough was it stopping Spain’s passing style during the 2010 World Cup Final? Howard Wright, via Facebook Really tough, as even though I could see their passing momentum building, they Top right Getting to grips still played with a speed and conﬁdence in MLS with LA Galaxy in that I couldn’t stop. I like to pick-pocket 2016; but a desire to play balls off opponents and I wasn’t able to more competitive football do it. We decided to stay compact, try resulted in him signing for to not let them play out from the back, Galatasaray Right “Next and we felt we’d have a good chance to stop Ibiza!” Mainz prepare win on the counter-attack because of to party after a 2-1 victory their high line. Arjen Robben had a big over Dortmund preserved opportunity to score in the second half their place in the top tier from that exact game plan but couldn’t quite ﬁnish it off. They had an incredible team, though: Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta and so many other players who were all in their prime.

How disappointing was it to concede so late in the 2010 World Cup Final when you’d done so well to stay in it? James Parker, via Twitter It was devastating. I had come off after around 100 minutes because we were already preparing for penalties. But then Iniesta scored after 116 minutes and we barely had any time to respond. We all had to walk past that trophy, back into the dressing room, and see the massive disappointment on each other’s faces.

14 FebruaryJuly 2018 2016 fourfourtwo.com.auFourFourTwo.com UPFROnT

and because of that there’s no genuine sense of winning and losing. You might lose, but there’s always a next time and you know that you’ll always have next season to try to make amends, with no repercussions. That’s why the level stays the same each year. Soccer isn’t one of the biggest sports in America so there isn’t the same youth development as in What has gone wrong with the Dutch Europe. Bringing in more foreign players team in the past few years? doesn’t help. The country needs to focus Bryan Rudy, via Facebook on youth development and make more I believe the older generation of players children aware of soccer. I really enjoyed were cut off too soon. Players from my my time with the Galaxy, though – my generation weren’t really considered for manager Bruce Arena was amazing. We selection after the 2014 World Cup and had a great team – me Stevie G, Robbie I think our experience could’ve helped Keane, Giovani dos Santos and Ashley the younger players. The transition was Cole. I was only there for nine months too fast. You can’t have a side consisting because I missed the competitiveness solely of youngsters with no experience. of European football, but I’m still happy Every country goes through a phase of I made the move. rebuilding – the same thing happened with Belgium and France. They missed Is it true you opened a car dealership some big tournaments and then came while you were in Hamburg? Ever sold back a lot stronger. We will do the same. a motor to anyone famous? It was disappointing because that’s the I thought he would give me the benefit Craig Gray, via Twitter biggest stage for any footballer and the of the doubt because I put my hands up Pep Guardiola angrily confronted you I love cars because my grandfather was chance to win that prize comes once in immediately after it. after your tackle on Joshua Kimmich a general manager for Ford in Holland a lifetime, maybe twice if you’re lucky. against Bayern Munich in 2015. What and always had a brand new car every It was really disappointing but we could Did you speak to Xabi Alonso after did he say to you? six months, which caught my attention. be extremely proud of what we achieved the final and have you discussed it Josh Jenkins, via Facebook I always planned to do it providing I had as a team in 2010. since? Is it water under the bridge? He was just sticking up for his player, it the necessary funds. When I moved to Raquel Barrett, Liverpool was pure emotion. As a coach he is very Germany, one of the best places to live Does it frustrate you that people still We’ve seen each other but we’ve emotionally attached to all his players. when it comes to cars, I decided to start talk about your tackle on Xabi Alonso never spoken about that moment. Pep had the right to express the way up the business there. I met my partner in the final (above right), rather than It’s just a moment in football he felt and so did I. We’re men, not around that time too, and 11 years later your individual performance? history. At the end of the day, kids. We’ve both got egos and we both the business and the relationship Tom Dicks, Liverpool he won a World Cup. It’s not wanted to defend ourselves. If are still going strong. It’s really popular No, it’s not that frustrating. You have to something that will follow he wants to say something with footballers. Loads of players, like understand – that was something that him in a negative way. to me, then that’s cool. It Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie and happened on the world stage, an action We play a contact was just a little Kevin-Prince Boateng have bought cars that everyone saw around the globe. It sport and scuffle, really. from me over the years. doesn’t annoy me at all. I’m over it, and sometimes that’s football. I was lucky I was able to you will get We miss you Are you planning to play on for much play the rest of the game. I just wanted a red card for here in LA! How did you find longer? Will you ever return to Ajax? to play the ball – that was my only focus. a lesser challenge. That incident your season with the Galaxy William Edstrom, via Twitter I didn’t see Alonso coming because he came on the world stage so it in 2016? And how far behind I’m happy in Mainz at the moment, but was on my blind side. I didn’t expect to gained a lot of attention. Maybe is MLS compared to the rest I’m nearly 34 now. I see myself playing get sent off at the time because I felt it one day we will see each other, of the world? for maybe one or two more years and was obviously an unfortunate incident. have a beer and laugh about it. ‘LAG Explicit Rumors’, then I’ll call it quits. After that, I’ll just I was lucky that an English referee was Ultimately, he won the game via Twitter play with my friends for fun, drink a few in charge, Howard Webb, because he’d and I didn’t. I think he had There is no relegation system beers and enjoy the rest of my days as seen many hard challenges in the past. the last laugh. so there is no real pressure, a retired footballer.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 15 UPFROnT NANNY STATE A Sudanese Premier League clash between UPFROnT Al-Shorta Al-Qadarif and Al-Hilal Omdurman was delayed >< after a goat burst onto the ﬁeld and then evaded capture

GONZO JOURNALISM DANI ARE YOU OK? 5 England London 9 ARE YOU OK, DANI? France Paris Paul Merson has always been a pundit AROUnD renowned for considered thought, but Dani Alves may be out of the World Cup his reasoned analysis went awry after because of injury, but he’s keeping his Huddersfield remained in the top flight. spirits up. The full-back celebrated his He had inexplicably insisted that he’d birthday the only way he knew how: by dress up as Gonzo if they stayed up. dressing up as an inflatable ballerina, As a result, Merse ended up looking flanked by five masked henchmen. like a right Muppet, live on Sky. Not for Alves even posted a video of himself THE WORLD the first time, some might suggest… dancing in his bizarre costume. If that’s what makes you happy on your special AERIAL PRESENCE day, Dani, then you go for it. 6 Saudi Arabia Jeddah WHAT A DICK… Behold, the finest pitchside marketing 10 Netherlands Emmen In 12 STORIES in the history of football. To mark the King’s Cup final, Saudia airline decided When a play-off match pitted Sparta to plonk a 25-foot aeroplane on one Rotterdam against Emmen, the fans Mankini-wearing pitch invaders, JT becomes the Honey touchline, complete with four pilots. simply couldn’t resist. With managers Monster and Robin van Persie gets ready to gatecrash It gets better: throughout the match, Dick Advocaat and Dick Lukkien going the plane followed the ball by moving head to head, Emmen fans unveiled the kabaddi – the last few weeks have been plain odd up and down the touchline on a rail. a banner saying, ‘Our Dick Is Bigger’. The four pilots initially looked a little They were right of course, Advocaat uncomfortable to be the focus of the is only 5ft 7in tall, and was defeated in TV cameras, but relaxed once they’d the play-off as Sparta were relegated. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN, I’M BRAZILIANS WORSHIP JESUS hit the cruising altitude of zero feet. Emmen’s head honcho could now be 1 BANNED FROM THE STADIUM?” 3 Brazil Sao Paulo in demand, but rumour has it he only Turkey Denizli JOHN TERRY: CAPTAIN, negotiates in the small hours: clubs will You know those stories where people 7 LEADER, HONEY MONSTER have to be up all night to get Lukkien. One Denizlispor supporter knew exactly are convinced they can see Jesus on England London what to do when he was slapped with a piece of toast, or a random shroud IS THAT YOU, JEFF STELLING? a one-year stadium ban: hire a massive in Turin? It’s only happened again: this All the stars were out for David Luiz’s 11 England Hartlepool crane and park it outside the ground for time on houses in Sao Paulo. birthday party, with many turning up the next home match. Actually, it’s a mural in honour of the in fancy dress. Ex-Chelsea team-mate Rival fans might say Hartlepool have He was soon towering over his fellow Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus, who’s from Asmir Begovic dressed as NFL star Tom resembled a bunch of clowns for some fans at the Ataturk Stadium – attaching the area. FFT wants every World Cup Brady, while fellow former Blue John time now, lurching from crisis to crisis. a giant green and black flag to the end star to get honoured in this way – an Terry arrived as the Honey Monster. Fans did dress up as clowns for their of the crane, the scarf-twirling fanatic anonymous-looking Mesut Ozil having Terry’s attire might have seemed last game of the season – an annual even conducted chants as Denizlispor a disappointing impact on a wall in surprising, but it made sense: back in tradition that has previously seen them beat Gaziantepspor 5-0. He’ll be selling Gelsenkirchen, or the bemused face the day, the Honey Monster starred in turn up as Stormtroopers, Smurfs and tickets up there next. of Phil Jones on a Preston chip shop. a TV advert where he leapt out of the Oompa Loompas. Things have got so stand in full costume and promptly bad for Pools that they were probably BORAT’S A PLZEN FAN FLAME-GRILLED HAMBURGERS lifted an important trophy. So that’s just glad to avoid the embarrassment 2 Czech Republic Plzen 4 Germany Hamburg where JT got his inspiration in Munich... of wearing Hartlepool shirts for the day... Viktoria Plzen have made it back to the It all kicked off when Hamburg were “WHO’S THIS ANNOYING BLOKE THE WORLD’S OLDEST TABLE- Champions League group stage for the finally relegated for the first time in the 8 WITH THE TRAFFIC CONE?” 12 THROWING FOOTBALLER first time in five years: the excitement Bundesliga’s history. They’d previously England London Chile Santiago has clearly got the better of some fans. had a clock celebrating their 55-year During a win over Karvina, one chap run in the top flight – so fans of visiting Don’t you just hate it when you’re at Sebastian Abreu set a new world record stripped down to a Borat-style green team Monchengladbach brought their a big event, but you can’t see a thing recently after joining his 26th pro club mankini and darted onto the pitch. He own clock, ticking down to zero. because you’re stuck behind some guy at 41, so presumably he’s feeling pretty was only halted when a steward opted Things turned ugly when some home with a hat shaped like a traffic cone? mellow in his old age? Er, no. against a rugby tackle, instead going supporters, furious at relegation, threw At the darts, that guy was Robin van The former Uruguay World Cup star is feet first with a cynical challenge from flares onto the pitch and riot police had Persie, who arrived sporting the wacky nicknamed ‘El Loco’, and he showed behind. He clearly had no intention of to step in. At least you can visit loads of headgear to cheer Michael van Gerwen. exactly why during a game for Chilean playing the ball – either of them. new grounds next season, eh lads? RVP had a great time, so watch out for side Audax Italiano – throwing a table him at more random sports soon: with at his club’s own supporters in response a vuvuzela at the snooker, and starting to criticism at the final whistle. Maybe SIX OF THE BEST FIXTURES Mexican waves at the kabaddi. he’ll have calmed down by club No.27?

Russia vs Saudi Arabia France vs Australia Brazil vs Switzerland The World Cup begins in Moscow: opening Here we go! Look, in our heart of hearts, all Neymar and Coutinho once lost a key game to igames surely don’t get any better than this??? iwe’re hoping for here is not to be disgraced. ithe Swiss at the U17 World Cup. Payback time?

16 February July 2018 2016 fourfourtwo.com.auFourFourTwo.com MASTERS OF DISGUISE Women are often refused entry to games UPFROnT 5 in Iran, so ﬁve females dressed up as men, donning wigs and false beards to sneak into the match between Persepolis and Sepidrood

01 02 03

06 07 08

09 10 11 12

Denmark vs Australia Argentina vs Croatia Australia vs Peru Denmark’s not quite a one man team, but if we One of the group stage’s most attractive games. The tie that offers the most hope – but Peru are ican stiﬂe Christian Erikson, we may have a shot. iCan Croatia fulﬁl their potential and stop Messi? istill ranked way higher than us. Can we qualify?

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 17 UPFROnT GOALMY GREATEST

SYDNEY FC 3 ALEX BROSQUE WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS 2 18 October 2014, Allianz Stadium

THE LEAD UP cop a hiding here...’ Just before half- it was a nice moment. It seemed Scoring the winner in the derby with It was a huge game, I wasn’t there for time, we pulled a goal back through like I had all the time in the world, all the fans running onto the pitch the first season or two, but I watched Corey Gameiro. We went into the break but looking back at it, it happened was a good moment. Wins like that, all the derbies overseas and how big with a bit of confidence. It was a fairly very quickly. When I took the touch, you always try to use to carry into each game was getting. Living out even game, I remember there weren’t it was heavy and the keeper came the next fixture. A few days later we west, playing for Sydney before I left, many chances created. Wanderers out to me. When I scored it, there was played Adelaide United in the FFA and then coming back and I guess essentially took the first two chances a really strange silence. I remember Cup and I managed to score, but honouring my word to come back. I’d they had to lead by two goals. looking to the linesman thinking, we lost 3-1. seen a lot and I knew it’d be big and I’d ‘Maybe there’s a free kick or offside?’ heard from players and fans about how THE GOAL But as soon as I saw nothing was THE CONTENDERS the atmosphere and emotions were like With about 10 minutes to go, a ball called, I celebrated! I scored a goal against Adelaide United and to actually play in one was a got played down the line to Corey. He in the 2015 semi-final where we won special thing in itself. chested it and volleyed it back over THE AFTERMATH 4-1. It was special because it was a his head to my path and I took a touch, At the end there were fans and players semi-final and the goal itself was very THE MATCH the goalkeeper came out to smother it. running onto the field. I know we’re not lucky, it was like a rabona or a backheel We went down 2-0. I thought, ‘Here we I poked it around him. I just remember normally supposed to say that, but it’s goal to make it 2-0 when Bernie Ibini go, it’s my first derby and we’re going to running to the corner flag and the fans, a good thing. Looking back on the crossed it to me and I had no other photos, I loved it with great passion. option as it came behind me. Clement Tito Interview

18 FebruaryJuly 2018 2016fourfourtwo.com.auFourFourTwo.com

Can’t make it to Russia? We got you covered. Keep up with all the action with crowds of fellow fans at these venues nationwide...

THE STAR – SYDNEY FourFourTwo’s HQ for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. We will be basing ourselves here for every Socceroos game and most of the other venues. We will be speaking to fans for their opinions for a video series that will run across social and the website. Come give us your reaction and predictions. “The 24/7 Sports Bar is a no-brainer for Sydney live sites. In 2014, we partnered with The Star and there was over 8,000 fans watching the Socceroos v Netherlands match. One of the best atmospheres I’ve experienced…outside of being at a game. I look forward to calling the 24/7 Sports Bar my home for another ﬁve weeks!” Adam - FourFourTwo

THE GAME SPORTS BAR PIG ‘N’ WHISTLE – BRISBANE (ABERDEEN HOTEL) - PERTH “The Pig ‘N’ Whistle is a no brainer. Socceroo fans know that if a punter “For the previous two World Cups, wants to watch football with a like Western Australian Socceroos Fans minded passionate crowd, you go to were based at the Elephant and the Pig N Whistle in the Riverside Wheelbarrow in Northbridge. Following Centre on Eagle Street in the CBD. the closing down of the famous old The English themed pub is synonymous pub in 2017, WA supporters were with late night football and offers an forced to relocate around the corner unmatched game day atmosphere. to the Aberdeen Hotel...with ﬁve bars, Late night Premier League clashes multiple big screens in one of the bring shoulder to shoulder banter. largest establishments in the central This is a proper football pub.” There Perth area. WA football fans now have will be a live podcast by The Roar a pub to call home throughout Russia Review and QLD Socceroos Fans prior 2018!” Blayne Treadgold (@Socceroos to the France match. Active Support) Liam Parslow (@QLD Socceroos fans)

20 July 2017 fourfourtwo.com.au UPFROnT

ceilings with 5m ﬂoor to ceiling to show every game, for every fan. And THE STAR – GOLD COAST windows, all-season outdoor terrace ADELAIDE CASINO – ADELAIDE that’s what the World Cup is about, The highly anticipated Sports Bar and a coastal backdrop, Sports Bar “The Grandstand Sports Bar at Adelaide culture and diversity, and the best was launched earlier this year as part prides itself on showcasing more local, Casino is perfect to watch big sporting footballing countries in the world will be of The Star Gold Coast’s landmark national and international sporting events. Football fans know the showcased on the big screens battling it transformation, further cementing events than any other venue in Grandstand Bar always delivers, and out for football’s biggest prize. Located the iconic Broadbeach property as Queensland. Three specialised private provides the atmosphere to experience on North Terrace in the CBD, the city will the ultimate dining and entertainment booths also offer a superior viewing the adrenaline rush of watching a live be buzzing with football fans and if you destination. Featuring a large LED super position, integrated ice buckets and sporting event. The World Cup will be feel like celebrating a win after, you are screen, private booths, multi-screen charging stations for a premier sport no different, and with a 24-hour licence, in the prime location.” viewing throughout, high acoustic viewing space. this means that the Casino will be able Cassandra Treppiedi – Football Writer

TURF BAR – MELBOURNE Our venue of choice for the World Cup in Melbourne. FourFourTwo will be making Turf Bar our home-away-from- home for several games throughout the group stages and knockout games. Turf Sports Bar and Grill has secured an extended licence to bring you the best of the live action during this month- long festival of football. Watch our own Socceroos mix it with the World’s greats. Will Messi ﬁnally win a world Cup? Can Neymar inspire Brazil to Glory? Turf have Live and Loud coverage of the majority of the group games, including all Live matches involving Australia, England, Brazil and Argentina and selected others, and all knock-out matches on our array of screens.

HELLEnIC CLUB SYDnEY JUnCTIOn HOTEL REEF HOTEL CASInO SKYCITY CASInO BEST OF WODEn, CAnBERRA HAMILTOn, nEWCASTLE CAIRNS DARWIn The nation’s capital is not If you can pull yourself Gotta love a casino for Is anywhere in the NT exactly famous for its late away from the local surf, some late night sport and guaranteed croc-free, or THE REST night venues and party all the Sydney Junction Hotel there’s only one place in have we just read too many night vibe, but the Hellenic has a big screen and a tasty town (possibly even the NT News Tweets? Get your Club is the place to be. froth with your name on it... whole of Far North QLD...) going-out thongs on...

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 21 UPFROnT “WHO DUNNE IT?” Swindon’s James Dunne was sent UPFROnT off on the last day of 2017-18 following an altercation >< with Accrington’s James Dunne, who was also sent off

From kidnapping to preparing for the apocalypse – if THE FOOTBALL GRID you’re a one-World-Cup wonder, things can get weird

“TREZEGUET!”

CARLOS SAEED YORDAN RENE EL-HADJI Most of the focus Name ROA AL-OWAIRAN LETCHKOV HIGUITA DIOUF will be on Mo Salah when Egypt take to the field at the World Cup, though he’s not the only world-renowned Lechuga The Maradona El Loco Nickname The Magician The Serial Killer name in their squad. (‘The Lettuce’) of the Arabs (‘The Madman’) They’ve also got Mahmoud Hassan, who goes by the name of ‘Trezeguet’ – Just keep Maintaining in honour of former World’s most Just keep running and grudge against Desperately France striker David, dedicated running and hope no one Steven Gerrard Style clinging on of course. Seventh- hope no one tackles and Jamie to hair island “It all started when Adventist tackles you you Carragher for vegan rest of eternity I was the top scorer of my school team,” the 23-year-old, who Saving two Solo run to score Being random Helping Colombia spent 2017-18 with Setting up England for Saudi Arabia old bloke who reach Last 16 at Kasimpasa, tells FFT. Senegal’s shock Known for... spot-kicks against Belgium headed Bulgaria Italia 90, then “I scored a lot of winner against for Argentina in 1994. No one to glory against getting tackled goals and my coach France in 2002 at France 98 tackled him... Germany in ’94 by Roger Milla... called me Trezeguet, as I looked like him and he was taking Retires aged Becomes local Misses USA 94 Sprays spit in Europe by storm.” 30, moves to Caught drinking mayor. Stopped after profiting all directions, What Such a name could isolated hilltop and socialising for speeding, from release of retires, unveils happened bring added pressure, “to prepare with women then throws drug baron’s plan to become next? but the winger has for the end during Ramadan documents kidnapped the president never shied away of the world” at police daughter of Senegal from it. “It’s always been like that since Later given Yes – for I was nine,” he says. Yes. Goalkeeper Yes. Handed suspended incidents in “It made me stand jailed for seven prison time and sentence for 2006, 2012, out but I don’t feel No months, despite Arrested? a one-year ban alleged ‘abuse 2018. Better insisting he was any pressure. When from football of power’, but keep your trying to help I first went to Europe acquitted distance people thought I was on appeal in 2024... French, but then they started to notice the resemblance. I just “Many of my “The difference “It wasn’t looked like him.” Mallorca team- “I did not “I’m a footballer between Jamie like a jail jail Now Hassan will He said... mates said expect such – I didn’t know and me is I’m – it was a hope to enjoy World I was crazy.” a sentence. It’s anything about a world-class detention Cup success – but They weren’t a political act” kidnapping laws” player and centre” copying Trezeguet’s Saeed Marwan the only ones... he’s a s**t” triumph in ’98 might be asking a bit much. Hassan words

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ATTHE END OF THE DAY MICHAEL VALKANIS ‘I’M PLAYING FOR MY COUNTRY.’ IT WAS A BOYHOOD DREAM COME TRUE.

The hardman of Adelaide United’s backline in the A-League and Asia, MICHAEL VALKANIS has no regrets

I knew I made it as a player when I cent of that season and a Champions debuted for Iraklis against PAOK in front League Final. of 40,000 fans. I realised how much work I had to do to play at that high My proudest moment was level. As a youngster, I saw PAOK come representing the Socceroos against to Melbourne, I was at the canteen, Kuwait. I debuted with Travis Dodd and then I saw these professionals come off he scored. It was a great night because a bus with the same bags and jackets there were a lot of A-League players and from that day onwards, I knew that and people were concerned whether I wanted to play overseas in Greece. we could get the result, but we won 2-0. Lining up hearing the national I was happiest when I was playing anthem and thinking, ‘I’m playing for with Adelaide United. I was so lucky my country’. It was a boyhood dream and I’m so grateful I was there at the come true. beginning and to be an inaugural player at the end of the NSL. Everyone who If I could change one thing I would was part of the club that year made celebrate finishing first. I’m not a big something special happen, just to see fan of how it isn’t celebrated as much how the club has grown, to be the first as winning a Grand Final in Australia. I club to represent Australia in the Asian understand the finals system and I like Champions League and the final. We the excitement, but I think winning the might not have won Grand Finals, but Premiership is the most important. we were there. Many thought the little town wasn’t going to be competitive, If it wasn’t for football maybe I but we did well. would’ve become a biochemist. Being Greek, I was expected to be a doctor or My hero growing up was Kenny lawyer. I was good at school and I got Dalglish. I was a mad Liverpool good grades. I got an opportunity to supporter. They played the football that break into senior professional football, probably influenced the way I see the so knowing I could make a career out game today. They were playing a real of it, my mindset changed. I still went group possession game and were one to university and studied biochemistry, of the best teams in Europe. so maybe that could’ve been a career.

The funniest thing was when I was Three words that sum me up Risk- playing for South Melbourne against taker, hard-worker and a dreamer. Morwell. Kevin Muscat dribbled down the line from full-back, cut the ball If you could have one wish I don’t back and I scored my ﬁrst goal. We think I can wish, I’ve got a beautiful celebrated at the crowd. We didn’t wife, beautiful kids, fantastic parents realise the goal had been disallowed and a great job. I think sometimes, and the crowd was actually pointing when you wish, it suggests regret. at us to run back. I won’t forget it. Right now I’m achieving a dream. In The day football broke my heart was these last three months, an opportunity when I did my ACL as I was coming to has come up with Eredivisie side PEC the end of my career. I was 34, I might Zwolle and to be reunited with John not have been able to come back van’t Schip. I thought it would’ve been

Clement Tito because of my age. Credit to the club impossible because an Australian who believed in me and gave me coach going to Europe is difﬁcult and

Interview another year, I was able to play 50 per Holland is a big competition.

24 July 2018 fourfourtwo.com.au football FEVER AWAITS 15 JUNE 16 JULY

EVERY MATCH FROM RUSSIA LIVE, LARGE & LOUD

MY BEST MATE’S A

Caitlin Foord and Steph Dihn UPFROnT Stephanie’s used to the high life but Caitlin’s got a taste for it too

What does a tracky-wearing Matildas star and a “girly” flight attendant have in common? Caitlin Foord and Steph Dihn have been pals since early days at Illawarra Sports High (even if Caitlin was often absent with football). A lot has happened since the right winger burst onto the international scene at 16, winning the Best Young Player Award at the 2011 Women’s World Cup – not all of it good. But even the heartbreak of a tournament-stealing aitlin, I’m not going to be like how’s his, how’s that because Caitlin has to injury has an upside when you’re nswer that every day of her life. hanging with your bestie. o Caitlin switched it up and joined he Fox Sports Asian Cup INTERVIEW Kathy Stone ommentary team... teph: When she told me I was a bit ke, what are you doing? But it was Is it fair to say you’re polar Caitlin: And actually since ood because it kept her involved. opposites? we’ve left school, we’ve Steph: Like, I couldn’t think of any become closer. I’m big wit ow did you feel about the friends who are more opposite. I’m people who put in the same amount older she really appreciates how experience, Caitlin? so girly. Ridiculously. I’ll get my nails of effort that I do with them. hard she’s worked for it. In saying Caitlin: I really enjoyed it. I’m shy done all the time, my hair… Caitlin just Steph: My family like adores Caitlin. My that, she’s always been herself. It’s at the start but once I get to know shakes her head at me. The first time nonna , grandma (Steph’s heritage is pretty much what you see is what people, I open up a bit. It kept my she ever did dress up, I was so proud. Italian-Vietnamese), wishes Caitlin you get with Caitlin. mind off not being there and I had I was like, you’re in make-up! was her granddaughter. She watches to think about other things, going Caitlin: Even in saying that, I had Caitlin all the time on TV. And then came the injury that ruled to the studio, getting ready for the someone help me for the (Dolan Caitlin out on the Asian Cup in April. game. I had a different role to play. Warren) awards. When I wasn’t really Caitlin has gone on to play in Japan Caitlin: Yeah it was in the W-League getting help, Steph would be the and the US and was named the semi-final [playing for Sydney FC] The Matildas lost the final to person – I’m like, okay you need to 2016 Asian Women’s Footballer of which was obviously huge as well – the Japan 1-0 what do you make come shopping with me and I’ll just the Year. Has she changed much? big games are the ones you want to of their campaign? get her to pick everything out for me. Steph: So much! She was a wild play in. It was devastating because I’d Caitlin: It was a little bit disappointing. Steph: When Cait used to have things child like me but doesn’t really had this injury before on the other The girls, you can ask any of them, like that, she’d always be like, what party anymore. She takes her foot. People were trying to tell me, just weren’t happy with the performances. dress should I wear, do these shoes go career really seriously, not that stay positive, it might not be that – but I think their last game was their best with this? I was like her personal she didn’t before. But now she’s you know your body. I knew straight game – they just got unlucky with the assistant [lau hs]. away what I’d done. On the flip side final result. it’s given me more time at home to see family and friends like Steph. I The plate is out of the foot and haven’t really had this period of time the next stop is Portland Thorns. to be at home for this long in, I can’t Steph do you ever look at Caitlin’s remember how long. life and think – gee, that’s just Steph: It’s sooo long. She’s never been completely bonkers? here for my birthday it was so good to Steph: I literally say this to my family have her home for that. all the time – there’s no one else can Caitlin: People like Steph, they’re not do Caitlin’s life other than Caitlin. We’ll really into soccer. When I see her, it’s be out together and someone will call sort of like an escape. When I’m with her up or want to take photos with her her she’ll ask me how it’s been but and Caitlin is just so good about it. she doesn’t really care. Other people might say, I’m over this Steph: [Laughs] but Caitlin really appreciates it and it Caitlin: It’s not that it’s a bad thing, doesn’t faze her because this is what that’s what I like. she’s committed to. I hands down Steph: I definitely do care! But I know couldn’t do it.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 27 WORLD CUP 1974 AND IF YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY… LEARnInG THE LESSOnS OF WORLD CUPS PAST FROM THE SOCCEROO LEGEnDS WHO WERE THERE…

As the Socceroos prepare for Russia 2018 and their ﬁfth World Cup, VINCE RUGARI speaks to stars from Australia’s previous four campaigns to relive the thrills on the pitch and the secrets from the change rooms – and reveal their advice for the class of 2018.

28 July 2018 fourfourtwo.com.au fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 29 WORLD CUP 1974 AUSTRALIA’S PART-TIME PIOnEERS

Scots-born Jack Reilly moved to Australia to join Melbourne Juventus in 1970 and soon became part of the national set-up. As a goalkeeper, he had a perfect view to watch the country’s ﬁrst-ever World Cup campaign unfold as a team of part-timers put the Socceroos on the map. WORLD CUP 1974

UALIFICATION hat are your memories of the qualification process? Jimmy ackay’s goal against South Korea that took us to the World Cup was goal that was worthy of winning a European Cup final, an FA Cup nal - whichever way we want to put it. I can remember one of the ames that led us up to that. It wasn’t a qualifying game, but one of e most important was going to play in Vietnam when the war was ill on. There we are, flying into Saigon, bodies floating down the ver and everybody getting quite concerned. The night of the game, 0,000 people turn up, nobody knowing what would happen - but ey all put on a magnificent performance, won 1-0 and that was the eginning of a brand new attitude. It was the birth of the Socceroos.

ughest moment? The 70 minutes prior to Jimmy Mackay scoring at goal! The game could have gone in any direction at that point of 19 me. I thought it was just fantastic.

Did you ever think Australia wouldn’t make it? Never. You’ve got to understand the group of players. They were totally committed to taking Australia to the World Cup, and I’ve got to say, Rale Rasic was exactly the same way. The attitude was all about getting the best they possibly could out of each individual player by being totally, totally honest. It worked.

What did it feel like in the moment when qualiﬁcation was in the bag? Every player was coming off the ﬁeld saying, ‘Now we’ll show them what we can do at the World Cup.’ That was the attitude. I’ve just never seen anything quite like that in Australia. You can be rest assured that off the park, the celebrations were wild, because that was the team – they enjoyed themselves. But on the park, they were just committed and accountable. Each and every one I regard as a friend to this day.

PREPARING FOR WEST GERMANY What was the vibe in the host country? I come back to the Australian people. They were the ones who were there in huge numbers and made sure they knew where the players were going to be. They created an atmosphere all of their own. That was what really struck me about Germany, and I can’t speak highly enough of what the spectators did for us at that point in time. I would think there was the best part of 5000, if not more.

How did the locals take to Australia? The game against West Germany, when it was 0-0 and they looked as though they mightn’t be doing so well, they started giving us a bit of a lift. Towards the end of the game again when we were 3-0 down and looked as though we were a possibility to score, they were very, very much on our side again. It was quite amazing. I can just say, I was absolutely amazed what I heard coming from the terraces.

How were the training facilities? Our pre-training camp was in Switzerland and they were very, very good. We were in the capital, of course, and it became one of my favourite cities for a long, long time. And again, it was just a group of players who weren’t interested in ﬁnishing training. They were interested in when they were going to be starting, how long it was going to be and what they got out of it.

What was the mood of the team like? They knew they were going to play against a team, West Germany, that were possibly favourites to win it, and another, East Germany – everyone was a bit concerned about what they might have been on before they came on the ground! And Chile at the time were the best South American team available. They knew it was going to be the ﬁrst time Australia had been to a World Cup, they knew they’d be half-prepared because they were part-time players in terms of ﬁtness and other bits and pieces were concerned. But in their mind, they were just totally committed.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 31 WORLD CUP 1974

TIPS FOR RUSSIA 2018

What advice have you got for Who’s your favourite current the class of 2018? Go out there Socceroo for the squad heading and represent your country in the to Russia 2018? best possible way. If everyone goes I’ve got to go to a goalkeeper. From out with that mindset, we’ll be a better what everybody thought he was to team than what we’ve been showing what he’s made himself to be now, Mat recently. I think their attitude has been Ryan has done a phenomenal job. What lax and our commitment has been a bit he’s doing between the posts is very, shallow. It’s time we got it all back and very good. He’s delivering. If he keeps put it with the skill and ability we’ve got. going at the rate he’s going at now, he’ll We’d be a very different team. be one of the best in the world.

32 July 2018 fourfourtwo.com.au East Germany 2 V Australia 0 WORLD CUP AUSTRALIA AT Curran og 58’ 1974 Streich 72’ THE 1974 WORLD CUP Volksparkstadion, Hamburg – 14 June 197 West Germany 3 V Australia 0 Overath 12’ TEAM PLD W D L GF GA GD PTS Cullmann 34’ EAST GERMANY 3 2 1 0 4 1 +3 5 Müller 53’ WEST GERMANY 3 2 0 1 4 1 +3 4 Volksparkstadion, Hamburg – 18 June 197 CHILE 3 0 2 1 1 2 -1 2 Australia 0 V Chile 0 AUSTRALIA 3 0 1 2 0 5 -5 1 Olympiastadion, West Berlin – 22 June 197

THE MATCHES back down onto the ground, my heels went from underneath What was it like hearing the anthem before the first me, and it threw me backwards along with the ball. match? It took a little bit of time to realise it was real. We Fortunately for me, Peter Wilson was the defender that he were all part-time players. There we are, in a country that was always was and he blocked the shot that came in when the one of the better countries in the world as far as the game ball spilled to the ground. was concerned, both on and off the field. I’ll never forget arriving in Munich and the new stadium had just been built, Your best moment off the field? You could always be very, and the railway station came right into the stadium. It was very sure Peter Wilson was going to test everybody. Whether built for the future, it wasn’t built for then. he was testing the physiotherapists with an injury he didn’t have or whether he was testing everybody to make sure Which was the toughest match? It was going in against they were in bed at the right time of night. It was very, very Chile in the final game, because were most probably interesting that he could do all of these pranks and still go looking as though the best had come from us. Everybody on the ground and retain his presence. was expecting us to get pretty easily taken care of. We were tested in every way – it was the wettest ground I have And the worst? After the World Cup, coming off the plane ever played on. Half-time was an extra 20 minutes because having arrived back home and we find out that Sir Arthur they just weren’t sure if we were going to go back out or George has sacked Rale Rasic. I firmly believe that is one of not. And everybody was expressing their spirit, it was quite the main reasons that is why we disappeared into the extraordinary. I was amazed at the running and the defensive wilderness for 34 years. I thought that was fairly ordinary. qualities of every member of that team. They were never outclassed. The game was of a high quality and we were What about the funniest moment? I come back to Peter equally as good as they were. Wilson. The late Peter van Ren, who was the physiotherapist, I think he’s most probably looking down from above these days Your best moment on the field? The moments where we thinking, God, how was I so silly? That injury on the penis of created opportunites against Chile and I was watching from Peter Wilson was just a steel marble under his foreskin. the goals at the other end. We had some good chances, like the opportunity Atti Abonyi had in the second half to score What’s your lasting memory of the 1974 World Cup? Going and the ball just went over the crossbar. into the stadium prior to the first game against East Germany. My heart was going at a rate it’s never gone at since, I can And the worst? Also against Chile. We were in the 92nd assure you. It was just phenomenal to think, here we are in a minute and this ball came in and it was chest-high as far as I group with one of the better nations in the world, we’re going was concerned, but because of the state of the ground I came to play against them and give it the best we possibly can. GOING INTO THE STADIUM AGAINST EAST GERMANY, MY HEART WAS GOING AT A RATE IT’S NEVER GONE AT SINCE...

Who’s the biggest dangerman they’ll Who will be the sta ause of that. But I’d love to right now because of problems we’ve face in Group C? I think when you get Cup? I don’t think w meone like Daniel Arzani got within the country. I hope the to a World Cup, every opponent is period within footba ome through and do it. players on the ﬁeld show us the way. dangerous. Anyone who goes on the are so many totally c ﬁeld thinking a particular player is the players. You just nee hat’s your prediction for Who will win it all? Anybody’s guess. one that requires to be taken care of, leagues in the world the Socceroos? I think there Germany and Brazil will be very, very that only creates a bit of space for the skill with which t s enough pressure on them hard to beat. But I’ll say Australia. someone who supposedly isn’t good playing the game ar t the moment for them to Gentlemen, you are going to represent but all of a sudden becomes a quite extraordinary. ay well. I think we might be your country. Come back and have superstar. We should treat each and would hesitate from surprised with what they do. everybody talking about what you did every one in exactly the same manner. nominating anybody e national team to play well in the best possible manner.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 33 WORLD CUP A2006 NEW ERA BEGINS

Barely a day goes by for John Aloisi – literally the poster boy for the Socceroos’ Golden Generation – without him being asked about the moment he ended our 32-year World Cup drought. He also found the back of the net at the tournament itself... and would have doubled his tally if not for blundering ref Graham Poll 20 QUALIFICATION What are your memories of the qualiﬁcation process? I always go back to the 2001 qualiﬁers when we missed out against Uruguay. I had to put up with four years of stick when I went back to Spain because I played with two Uruguayans at Osasuna. They used to tease me about Australia not being that good at football. When we actually drew them again, I couldn’t wait because I knew that this time around, we were better prepared. We had a lot of players who had been in a couple of campaigns already and we just believed it was our time to qualify for the World Cup.

Toughest moment? There were plenty, but we were ready for it. I only came on for about 10 minutes in Montevideo and I got kicked by one of their players. I had a go back at him in Spanish and Paolo Montero told me he was going to break my leg when we got to Sydney. After losing the ﬁrst game 1-0, we thought, we’re in a good position here. When we got back to Sydney, we felt like we had the advantage because of the travel – we had our own charter plane, they had to stop over twice, so it took them a while. We knew we’d have an opportunity of beating them.

Did you ever think Australia wouldn’t make it? No. We just had the belief we were good enough to do it. We weren’t afraid to play them in Montevideo. Four years before, we didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived at the airport there were people there – I wouldn’t say to greet us, but make life hard for us. This time, we knew that would happen and we didn’t care. We knew there was going to be a hostile environment, but we were looking forward to it.

What did it feel like in the moment when qualiﬁcation was in the bag? It had been so long – 32 years. To be part of it and be able to be the one that sent Australia to the World Cup... it wasn’t just the players who were there. It was for everyone that followed football for their whole lives that were in that moment. I was just the one that took the penalty. It was an unbelievable feeling. Taking off my top and running like a madman, that was just the ecstasy coming out and the years of heartbreak we’d had as a nation. PREPARING FOR GERMANY What was the vibe in the host country? I’d been told you have to go to one to actually understand it. There’s important games every day and the whole country stops to watch it. Then you realise it’s not only the country you’re in, but the majority of the world is watching every single World Cup game. It’s incredible to be part of it.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 35 WORLD CUP 2006

How did the locals take to Australia? There were Australian ﬂags everywhere. It was like we were their second team. We were staying in their town and they couldn’t do enough for us. The whole town where we were staying were there to help us. We had at times, 5,000 to 10,000 people watching us in that little stadium that we were training in. You don’t ever get to experience something like that.

How were the training facilities? The hotel we were in, it was like an old castle. It had a Michelin star restaurant that was cooking us the food. It was an amazing place. The training ground was not that far away, probably ﬁve minutes away, and the pitch was great. We had everything we needed.

What was the mood of the team like? We had trained incredibly hard and so we knew, physically, we were going to be prepared. And we knew the first game against Japan was really our World Cup final. So we knew that we had to win that game to have any chance of making the next round. Our belief and our goal within the group was that we were good enough to do it. We wanted to show the world that Australian football is at a good level and that we can compete with anyone. THE MATCHES What was it like hearing the anthem before the first match? Hearing the anthem in any game was special. When you hear it in Australia, the majority of supporters will sing it. But to hear it in a foreign country... we had so many supporters there, it felt like we had the majority of the stadium and it felt like our home game. That was special. TIPS FOR RUSSIA 2018

What’s your advice for the class of prepared and ready to go once they 2018? Just believe that we can compete step foot onto the pitch. against the rest of the world and that Australians, as a collective, are strong. Who’s your favourite current No matter who puts on that jersey, they Socceroo? I love when Tom Rogic is on should feel like they’re going to do the ﬁre. He’s hard to stop, he’s got such country proud and go there and enjoy talent that he can actually make the experience, as well. It’s difﬁcult, something happen out of nothing. because I don’t know exactly what Aaron Mooy’s passing ability and the they’ve been doing or what the coach’s way he plays the game is fantastic, and messages are, but I’m sure they’ll be you’ve got Mile Jedinak who brings that

36 July 2018 fourfourtwo.com.au AUSTRALIA AT THE 2006 WORLD C Which was the toughest match? All the games were tough, they all had difﬁculties. We could have gotten something out of the Brazil game. The Japan game, we were fortunate to TEAM PLD W D L GF GA GD PTS come back and Croatia the same. And then of course, there was Italy. We felt like we had a massive opportunity to get BRAZIL 3 3 0 0 7 1 +6 9 through that game and get through the quarters. We ended AUSTRALIA 3 1 1 1 5 5 0 4 up conceding that penalty with the last kick of the game. CROATIA 3 0 2 1 2 3 −1 2 Your best moment on the ﬁeld? Winning against Japan and JAPAN 3 0 1 2 2 7 −5 1 being able to score in that game. That was clearly a highlight. Another was qualifying through the round against Croatia. We equalised right at the end through Harry Kewell. Australia 3 V Japan 1 Cahill 84’ 89’ Nakamura 26’ And the worst? The two biggest disappointments were in that Aloisi 90+2’ same game against Croatia. I actually scored while the referee Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern – 12 June 2006 whistled for full-time. It was Graham Poll, who gave Josip Simunic three yellow cards before he sent him off. We would Brazil 2 V Australia 0 have won that game 3-2. That was a personal disappointment Adriano 49’ Nakamura 26’ but as a collective, clearly, it was the game against Italy. Fred 90’

Your best moment off the ﬁeld? After one game, Guus FIFA WM-Stadion München – 18 June 2006 Hiddink allowed us out for a day and night, so we just went down in our civilian clothes – not in our Australian tracksuits Australia 2 V Croatia 2 – and spent the day in Stuttgart. To get to experience it as a Moore pen 38’ Srna 2’, N supporter while you’re actually playing in the World Cup was Kewell 79’ Kovač 56 good. I went out with our family and when the game was on, there were TVs in every single restaurant that I saw and Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart – 22 June 2006 everyone was watching the games while eating dinner. ROUND OF 16 And the worst? Italy 1 V Australia 0 When we got knocked out and virtually left the next day. Totti pen 90+5’ You don’t want it to happen. You’re enjoying that moment, that period, that experience so much, and then it’s gone. Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern – 26 June 2006 You don’t know if you’re ever going to get that back again.

What about the funniest moment? Frank Lowy came into the rooms after we lost to Italy to say well done, and tell What’s your lasting memory of the 2006 World Cup? us we were unlucky not to get through. Everyone was quite We showed the world that we can play. I wouldn’t say it down at the time, as you’d expect. Frank passed the phone to was a chance that we lost… but I’d say what could have Mark Viduka and he goes, ‘Mark, it’s the Prime Minister.’ Mark been, as well, if we got through that Italian game. It was was probably a bit dazed, he didn’t know what was going on. unexpected to get that far but when you’re playing against He picked it up and said, ‘Yeah, how ya going, mate?’ to the 10 men for so long and you lose with the last kick of the Prime Minister. game, you don’t know what could have been.

YOU’RE ENJOYING THAT MOMENT SO MUCH, AND THEN IT’S GONE. YOU DON’T KNOW IF YOU’LL EVER GET THAT BACK...

steel to midfield and that experience. he’s shown that mmed Salah is them any opportunity but I always There are other players like Trent the best players proved already believe the Aussie spirit will get us Sainsbury, a defender who reads the They’ve got a lo r, providing he through. It’s going to be a tough group game so well but starts the game really ury in time. but hopefully we can get enough points well in terms of his passing through the Who will be the to get through the second round. back. There are a number of them, it’s this World Cup? prediction for the too hard to pick just one. think that Lione s? I’m hoping that Who will win it all? Brazil will probably will be the best going to get have the strongest team, I think they’ll Who’s the biggest dangerman they’ll of the tournam ugh the first go on and win it this year. It also face in Group C? For France, I think quite confident d. I know a lot of depends on whether Neymar is able to Antoine Griezmann. The last few years, him. And we’re a e wouldn’t give play, but it looks like he should be.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 37 WORLD CUP THE2010 GOLDEN GENERATION’S WORLD CUP SWANSONG

For so long the whipping boy for Socceroos fans, Brett Holman was the star of the show in South Africa. He bookended 2010’s World Cup campaign with Australia’s first and last goals, wrapping up a formidable shift with a classic long-distance screamer against Serbia 20 QUALIFICATION What are your memories of the qualification process? We did it really well. It was a couple of games before the end that we qualified. And we didn’t even concede a goal. Pim Verbeek had a certain awareness of the Asian style, obviously, because he was involved with Guus Hiddink and South Korea. You saw that he had the awareness of what to do, how to set up and stuff like that.

Toughest moment? There was one game, I think it was in Bahrain, where it was a proper smash-and-grab. Mark Bresciano scored in the last minute. I think it was a long ball. It was an absolute steal. We were like, let’s quickly pack up before this gets turned around, because it was just a bad game from everybody and we ended up nicking it.

Did you ever think Australia wouldn’t make it? No. Just with the team, the squad that we had, some players went through that German World Cup and were so full of conﬁdence. You could see that and feel that. There was no doubting it at all that we were going to make that World Cup.

What did it feel like in the moment when qualification was in the bag? We drew 0-0 with Qatar and in the dressing rooms afterwards they had non-alcoholic champagne that we sprayed around, obviously, because it was in a Middle Eastern country. It wasn’t much of a game. I definitely remember that. PREPARING FOR SOUTH AFRICA What was the vibe in the host country? It was full of energy, full of life. Everybody was excited. South Africa hosting was a big thing. When we first arrived, we were warmly welcomed. The set-up where we ended up doing our pre-training camp was great, which was fantastic for us and obviously credit to our organisation. A great feeling when we got there.

How did the locals take to Australia? Perfect. Especially when we were walking around the streets and the shopping malls, all the people were friendly. They actually enjoyed us walking around, there was that element of the security stuff in Johannesburg but we saw nothing violent or worthy of having the security there at all. They were just excited they were seeing all the different nations walking around.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 39 WORLD CUP 2010

TIPS FOR RUSSIA 2018

What’s your advice for the class of 2018? Enjoy it. Don’t take anything for granted, and just have a go. Especially the group that we’re in, our goal would be to just get out of the group. No regrets, that would be the big one.

Who’s your favourite current Socceroo? If he’s on, I’d probably say Aaron Mooy or Massimo Luongo. I like both of them. It looks like Massimo has Germany 4 V Australia 0 WORLD CUP AUSTRALIA AT Podolski 8’, Klose 26’ 1974 Müller 68’, Cacau 70’ THE 2010 WORLD CUP Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban – 13 June 201

Australia 1 V Ghana 1 Holman 11’ Gyan pen 25’

TEAM PLD W D L GF GA GD PTS Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg – 19 June 20 GERMANY 3 2 0 1 5 1 +4 6 Australia 2 V Serbia 1 GHANA 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4 Cahill 69’ Pantelić 84’ AUSTRALIA 3 1 1 1 3 6 -34 Holman 73’ SERBIA 3 1 0 2 2 3 -13 Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit – 23 June 2010

How were the training facilities? We were in the outskirts Your best moment on the field? The goal against Serbia was of Jo’burg. The FFA ended up contributing to a field there, obviously good but the first one against Ghana was the best – actually building a facility out there where we ended up just because it was the first time I was starting, and it was the training. Afterwards I think they gave it to a school or a first goal for Australia at that World Cup. community organisation. It was all top-notch as you’d expect at a World Cup, and we stayed at a very nice And the worst? Not qualifying for the second round. Just lodge next to a game reserve. looking back, knowing that if things went a little bit different, a little bit our way, we had the team to actually progress. That What was the mood of the team like? Good. Everybody was comes down to Germany, they’re a big side. No matter who raring to go – excited, but with the expectation of what the you play at that level, you go down to 10 men in two games majority of the squad did in Germany, the expectations were and you’re making it hard for yourself no matter who you are. high from those players. Your best moment off the field? When my wife told me she was pregnant with our first child. The first time I saw her was THE MATCHES before the first game. She had just found out. Travelling to What was it like hearing the anthem before the first Johannesburg, she was nice and sick on the flight. match? I was just pretty much realising that while I wasn’t on the pitch starting, I’ve accomplished a dream. If you And the worst? Packing up after the last game, knowing we think back, I remember Australia versus Iran with Terry weren’t going to the second round. We were staying at an Venables and pretty much thinking Australia’s never going amazing resort where we had our own little cabins and huts to get to a World Cup. And then to actually be there and and saying goodbye to that, and to the people who worked play, that was amazing. there, you got to know them on a daily basis. That wasn’t nice.

Which was the toughest match? Germany, first-up. It was What about the funniest moment? There was a couple. Han disappointing. You go down to 10 men and that’s what made Berger got his guitar out at one point and did a sing-song. it a lot more difficult. Even with 11 men, they were dominant None of the boys really knew the song, no-one could get anyway. We learned a lot from that first game, especially involved. Nobody even knew he could play. when we went down to 10 men against Ghana and you saw how well-structured we were. We weren’t doing that against What’s your lasting memory of the 2010 World Cup? The Germany – with 10 men, we were still trying to go and attack vuvuzelas still are ringing in my ear. But it was a dream come and nick a goal. Looking back, it should have just been true – top of the mountain sort of stuff for me. It was the damage control. pinnacle of my career. IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE – TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN SORT OF STUFF FOR ME. IT WAS THE PINNACLE OF MY CAREER.

had a good year. Hopefully he’s fresh He’s been unbelievable at Tottenham had at Paris, and at such a young age, amazing. From my experience with Bert when he comes in. this year and the bigger teams in every you can see he might be a good one. van Marwijk, the way he thinks is if competition are having a look at him you’ve got the quality, go and use it, and Who’s the biggest dangerman they’ll supposedly, and rightly so. What’s your prediction for the take the game by the scruff of the neck. face in Group C? France is scary. You Socceroos? I hope they really go well. That’s the Dutch way, if there is one. don’t even need to pick one, they’ve got Who will be the star of this World Everyone’s going to be watching, it’s quality all over the ﬁeld. Peru is going to Cup? Hopefully not for our sake, but you going to be a tough task but they’re the Who will win it all? I hope Argentina, be just a tough one, I think. But probabl l k t K li Mb é b t ti to actually play – when just for Lionel Messi, because it could be Denmark, you’re going to look at from F writing you off. It’s perfect to his last one. He’s done everything in Christian Eriksen. He’s one of those guys real yo e and prove everyone wrong. club football and it would be nice for who makes that team turn a little bit. guys, t of the group would be him to do the same as Maradona did.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 41 WORLD CUP THE2014 SHOCK OF THE NEW GENS

It wasn’t until the Socceroos had already qualified for Brazil that Alex Wilkinson was called into the national team set-up for the first time in his career. The veteran defender ended up starting all three matches as Ange Postecoglou took the reins and attempted to redefine Australia’s footballing image on the biggest stage of all. 20 QUALIFICATION What are your memories of the qualification process? As a fan, I used to watch all the games. It wasn’t until Ange’s first camp, after we qualified, that I got called up. It all happened pretty quickly.

Did you ever think Australia wouldn’t make it? It was looking reasonably tight but that’s the way it always is in Asia – other teams are improving so much. Gone are the days when you’re going to walk through qualiﬁcation and get an easy road to the World Cup. The sooner everyone realises that, the better.

What did it feel like in the moment when qualiﬁcation was in the bag? It was pretty late on when big Josh Kennedy scored a trademark header into the bottom corner in the last game against Iraq and I remember the scenes, everyone running onto the pitch and the celebrations. It was fantastic. For me, sitting on the couch, I thought I was no chance of being part of the resulting World Cup.

What was it like coming into the team after Holger Osieck was sacked? I’d worked with Ange previously, I knew what he was about. I knew a few of the boys in camp which always helps when you’re going in as a new player. There were a few new faces in camp because Ange was always changing a few things. PREPARING FOR BRAZIL What was the vibe in the host country? Being in Brazil added to it all, the way they love football and love to party. The atmosphere in and around the stadiums and the games was something I hadn’t experienced before. The support was ﬁrst class for us and the amount of travelling Aussies that made the effort to get over there and even for the locals to adopt us as well, it was amazing. It was something I’ll never forget.

How did the locals take to Australia? We had a couple of open training sessions in Vitoria, where we were staying through the whole tournament. The public turned up in pretty big numbers. They were all really great, always supporting us – especially in the town we were in, they adopted us as their second team.

How were the training facilities? The hotel was fantastic, they had a huge gym in there for us to do all the weight, prehab work, injury prevention stuff. They had a pool there for recovery sessions. And we had our own training ﬁeld. The locals and FFA had made sure the pitch was very, very good. They put up a lot of Australian memorabilia

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 43 WORLD CUP 2014

TIPS FOR RUSSIA 2018

What’s your advice for the class of Don’t get wrapped up in the emotion Who’s your favourite current 2018? Many will have had the of it – treat it like any other game and Socceroo? I really admire Mile Jedinak experience of Brazil. You can’t buy that enjoy the experience, because you don’t for what he’s done in the game. We experience in those high-pressure know if you’re ever going to get another were together at Central Coast when he games – although this group did it the chance to not only play at a World Cup, ﬁrst came back from Croatia and was hard way in qualiﬁcation as well. but play for Australia. Things can always looking for a contract. I remember him They’ve had cut-throat games where change at any time. There’s pressure driving up from Sydney every day to they had to win against Honduras, and and expectation but if you can enjoy the train with us. Just the way he stuck to that’s the sort of atmosphere and experience, it really adds to it. If you’re his guns and believed in himself, it’s pressure they’re going to be under. But enjoying your football, you’re playing at great for me personally to sit back and basically, just enjoy it and embrace it. your best anyway. watch him for what he’s achieved in the

44 July 2018 fourfourtwo.com.au AUSTRALIA AT and photos and whatnot in the change rooms. It made us feel THE 2014 WORLD CU right at home, which was great. We had the chef, Vinícius Capovilla who remained with the team afterwards. He was Brazilian. He obviously knew exactly what we needed and TEAM PLD W D L GF GA GD PTS being from the country, it helped a lot. NETHERLANDS 3 3 0 0 10 3 +7 9 What was the mood of the team like? I guess it was a CHILE 3 2 0 1 5 3 +2 6 team in transition. We had some boys who’d been in previous SPAIN 3 1 0 2 4 7 3 3 campaigns but for a lot of us, it was our ﬁrst World Cup and - we didn’t know what to expect. We’d been in camp for an AUSTRALIA 3 0 0 3 3 9 -6 0 extended period of time, we spent time in Australia and then got to Brazil quite early, and that time was just spent working Chile 3 V Australia 1 on what Ange wants when we have the ball and when we Sánchez 12’, Cahill 35’ don’t have the ball. The boys were really enjoying the way he Valdivia 14’, wanted us to play and embracing that and trying to get it all Beausejour into our heads as quickly as possible, and just looking forward 90+2’ to that ﬁrst game against Chile. Time just dragged on a little bit because we wanted to get the tournament underway. Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá – 13 June 2014

THE MATCHES Netherlands 3 V Australia 2 Robben 20’ Cahill 21’ What was it like hearing the anthem before the first Van Persie 58’ Jedinak pen 54’ match? For me it was a little bit surreal. It was only my third Depay 68’ game for the national team and my second start. You’re walking out listening to the FIFA song and playing your first Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre – 18 June 2014 game at a World Cup. It hit me when we walked into the change room and on the TV, while we were all getting Spain 3 V Australia 0 strapped, we were watching Spain and the Netherlands, the Villa 36’ other game in our group. Then it hit us – here we go, it’s about Torres 69’ to start. Walking out and hearing the anthem was pretty Mata 82’ special. I always sing it. Arena de Baixada, Curitiba – 23 June 2014 Which was the toughest match? The Spain game, it was a bit of a letdown for us. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked and obviously, they’re a quality opposition with some fantastic players. If you’re not on your game 100 per cent like goals against the Netherlands. The ball bounced over my head we probably weren’t, they punish you. That’s what happened. and Arjen Robben got away from me. I don’t know whether he passed the ball and set up the goal or or scored it himself. Your best moment on the field? When I cleared the ball off the line in the Chile game to save a goal. I think it was Alexis What’s your lasting memory of the 2014 World Cup? For me Sanchez or Arturo Vidal maybe – one of them dinked the ball it was entirely positive. I loved every minute of it. It was over Maty Ryan and I got back just in time. something that for me, was the best moment of my career and probably will be, no matter what happens until I stop And the worst? I could have done a bit better for one of the playing. It was an unbelievable experience. IN THE CHANGE ROOM, WE WERE WATCHING SPAIN AND THE NETHERLANDS ON THE TV. THEN IT HIT US – HERE WE GO...

game and to now be captaining the box. It’s the World Cup – there’s not important for the way we like to play. we are good enough. The boys will go in team. It’s good to see him still kicking going to be any team that doesn’t have Out of all the other teams I’m not sure, pretty confident that they can get some on and doing so well. good players. I don’t think they’ll be but out of Australia, he’s a really results and get through. focusing too much on individuals. If important part of our squad. Who’s the biggest dangerman they’ll you do that it can bring you undone. Who will win it all? It’s tough. Brazil face in Group C? France have got a What’s your prediction for the are flying at the moment. They’re doing whole squad of them. Denmark have Who will be the star of this World Socceroos? We’ve got a really good really well. They qualified very easily, got Christian Eriksen, he’s a first-class Cup? Australia-wise, a key player will be chance. I don’t think people should get they’ll be a very good chance. And player and is great to watch. He can Trent Sainsbury. He’s got a lot of caps carried away and say it’s a fantastic Germany are always good in big assist from anywhere on the field and and experience under his belt now. He’s group, there’s still a lot of quality there. tournaments. It’ll probably be out also finish very well from outside the great on the ball and his passing is very But it gives us every chance to qualify if of those two, just for a change.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 45 AT LAST LEGEnDS

2 years since the Socceroos’ eneration changed what the p means to Australians. Now, ather-special hanger on, the 6 is faded to memory. Over the de, a new, controversial breed their place. They’ve delivered of our worst World Cup 2014 and the highs of our at the 2015 Asian Cup. If the tion was gold, this one’s an talent and vulnerability. y of this generation may say side Tim Cahill, Socceroos fans y World Cup-farewell to Mile illigan and Brad Jones. For bbie Kruse, James Meredith vytsya, it will take Cahill-esque longevity to witness them again on the world’s biggest stage. These are the Aussie icons, over-achievers For some veteran Socceroos, this is likely to be their last and might-have-beens that could illuminate our living rooms for the last time in Russia. chance of World Cup glory. Now is their time to shine and We look back at what they’ve meant to Australian football while we prepare to bid leave a legendary legacy, writes LUCAS RADBOURNE-PUGH them adieu... to Russia, with all our love. TIM CAHILL To begin at the beginning, Tim Cahill is the link between this generation and the last. His two goals guided us to our first World Cup victory in 2006 and another brace led us to play-off qualification in 2017. His goal-scoring overcame a national dearth of striking talent following the rest of the Golden Generation’s retirement. However, we may never have witnessed Cahill’s excellence were it not for a surprise twist of fate. Cahill was a Samoan-youth international who failed in a bid to play for Ireland, yet in 2004 he was suddenly allowed to switch allegiance when FIFA changed its regulations. The Sydney-born midfielder chose Australia and the rest is history. He’s now Australia’s leading international goalscorer, our leading scorer at the World Cup and Asian Cup (the first Aussie to score in both tournaments) and the first Australian to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or. He’s the modern face of the Socceroos, and following such inauspicious beginnings, he’s become Australia’s greatest footballer of all time. But while he’ll undoubtedly get the plaudits he deserves following retirement, he still has critics who are quick to attack him.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 47 LEGEnDS

MILE JEDINAK An equally imposing force for Australia, for many years Mile Jedinak’s career flew under the radar. In 2006, Central Coast Mariners only brought him in as an injury replacement. In 2014, Tony Abbott called him Mike. It’s unbelievable to think that 12 years ago, Jedinak was about to pull the pin on his football career. He was travelling from Sydney to Gosford trying to earn a contract with the Mariners, eventually receiving a part-time lifeline at the behest of Lawrie McKinna. The determination he formed in the semi-professional wilderness would eventually lead him to become one of the Premier League’s finest holding midfielders. An Asian International Player of the Year, PFA Footballer of the Year, two FFA Male Player of the Year awards, two club Player of the Season awards, 75 Socceroos caps and 18 goals later, 2018 will likely be the last time the World Cup gets to experience the force of the Jedi. LEGEnDS

BRAD JONES But there’s also a Socceroo making his first and final World Cup pilgrimage that many said goodbye to years ago. At 35-years-old, after four years out of the national squad, Brad Jones was the first Australian Bert van Marwijk contacted after assuming the coaching role. A formerly unheralded figure, Jones’ story looks far from finished yet. A sturdy yet unspectacular goalkeeper in his youth, Jones never received much attention from the national team – he still only has five caps. He rose through the youth ranks at Middlesborough as Mark Schwarzer’s understudy, eventually impressing and earning a move to Liverpool. This led to a call-up for the 2010 World Cup, but Jones was forced to withdraw after the tragic death of his six-year-old son. Seven years of what Jones described as “going through the motions” followed, before a move to the Netherlands reignited his career. Jones would eventually realise his full potential at Feyenoord, keeping the most clean-sheets by a De Kuip keeper in 20 years to win the league title, Johan Cruyff Shield...and a Roos return.

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 49 LEGEnDS

JAMES MEREDITH Speaking of late bloomers, 2018’s feel good story, James Meredith, only has two caps at 29 years old despite a decade playing in England. In the football world, Meredith’s the archetypal Aussie battler, but unlike Jones, Meredith’s full of conﬁdence. It was only in February that he called himself “Australia’s best leftback.” In fairness, Meredith’s put his boots where his mouth is. A League One Team of the Season award in 2017 quickly became a leading role at Millwall - where he’s outshining Cahill himself. But Jones and Meredith aren’t the highest-proﬁle Socceroos still searching for their World Cup breakthrough. Despite 69 caps and a sterling reputation, Mark Milligan only has a solitary appearance on the world’s biggest stage, a 3-1 loss to Chile in 2014.

50 July 2018 fourfourtwo.com.au LEGEnDS

ROBBIE KRUSE Unfortunately for Australia, Millsy is far from the only ageing Socceroo still seeking to fulﬁl his potential. Now 29, Robbie Kruse – often a scapegoat – is yet to make a World Cup appearance. Kruse missed 494 days and 92 games through injury just between 2012 and 2016. At one stage, Kruse could have been one of the greatest Socceroos of all time. Now merely a shadow of the force he was at Bayer Leverkusen, as Kruse puts it, he’s had his “dark moments.” Whatever happens in the twilight of Kruse’s career, winning the PFA Footballer of the Year at 23 is testament to the frightening potential he had, which never got to shock the world.

MARK MILLIGAN It could have been so different for Milligan. Phenomenal potential as a youngster saw him linked with Arsenal, FC Porto and Manchester City. Yet eight of Milligan’s subsequent 10 years were spent in Australia over visa issues. The hammer blow came when, at 28 , his transfer to Premier League club Crystal Palace was cancelled because the Socceroos low FIFA ranking cost him a visa. “I’ve made a point that, despite all of these obstacles, I have kept my head down and worked hard to be a part of this set-up,” Milligan says. “I don’t expect anything from anybody. I just want to look back after I retire and say with the ability I had, I got absolutely everything out of it.”

fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 51 LEGEnDS

JAMES TROISI James Troisi is a similar story. A Newcastle United product signed by Juventus in 2014, much like Milligan, Troisi eventually spent his golden years in Australia, tearing up the A-League in search of bigger opportunities. Despite 37 caps, he’s also had to play a bit-role at the world’s biggest tournament. Troisi has, however, experienced the highs of international football. No Socceroo – excluding John Aloisi - has ever felt more elation than Troisi scoring the Asian Cup’s winning goal. It may be short highlight reel, but they don’t come much better.

NIKITA RUKAVYTSYA The final Socceroo Australians may farewell in Russia is one our most unknown. At 14 years old, Nikita Rukavystya left Ukraine with “nothing”. He later told German television: “I was always on the streets…that’s how you get raised there.” Upon arriving in Australia, he shot through the youth ranks to become the first recipient of the Harry Kewell medal in 2009. After struggling in the Bundesliga, five years in international exile followed before he was plucked out of Israeli-obscurity by Ange Postecoglou. Now Rukavystya, like every other experienced Socceroo, is seeking one more World Cup hurrah. “When I was a kid it was the dream,” he said. “Once you get there, it’s an unbelievable time.”

52 July 2018 fourfourtwo.com.au TURF SPORTS BAR AND GRILL

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fourfourtwo.com.au July 2018 55 nO PO nO PA

Can French football’s King of Bling revive his career and sparkle this win Les Bleus’ new generation of wonderkids cast the former golden boy into

Words James Eastham POGBA t seems remarkable to think that in the run-up to Euro 2016, asking ‘Should Pogba be an automatic starter for France?’, 70 per cent Paul Pogba was regarded as the most likely match-winner for of the 6,971 respondents said ‘Non’. the host nation. Two years on, the Frenchman’s star has fallen As much as FFT is loath to put too much stock in online surveys, that to such a degree in his homeland that there are even doubts majority verdict appears to roughly tally with public opinion of Pogba about whether he will be an automatic inclusion in Les Bleus’ as Les Bleus prepare for group games against Denmark, Australia and best starting XI, as they