Nike Australia and Football Federation Australia today revealed the Australian National Team Kit to be worn by the Socceroos at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Nike Australia and Football Federation Australia today revealed the Australian National Team Kit to be worn by the Socceroos at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
The new Socceroos kit combines the best in performance innovation with evocative design details that capture the unique and pioneering national spirit of Australia, paying homage to the 1974 World Cup team.
Current Socceroos Mark Bresciano and Michael Zullo and coach Ange Postecoglou were joined by Socceroos legends from every decade from the 1960s onwards, for the official launch in Walsh Bay, Sydney.
The jersey boasts a stylish and modern green Johnny collar, another reference from the iconic 1974 Socceroos kit. Nike-s design team skilfully placed the Australian coat of arms on the chest of the jersey within a new shield that replicates the shape of the crest worn on the jerseys at the 1974 tournament, and fulfils the current Socceroos- stated desire to “feel the history of our country.”
Inside the back of the neck is a woven pennant tab featuring Football Federation Australia-s logo surrounded by the famous and inspiring quote, “We Socceroos can do the impossible,” from Peter Wilson, the captain of the 1974 Australian squad.
The new shorts are a traditional green with venting to assist in cooling, and a cut specifically designed to aid movement and comfort. Simple and iconic, the fit is slimmer and more tailored to the body based on fit research with a cut specifically designed to aid movement and comfort. The centre back of the shorts feature Nike-s signature laser vents to aid in cooling and allow for moisture management.
The return of white home socks is also inspired by the 1974 kit, a change from the recent tradition of yellow socks.
When Australia reached the 1974 World Cup finals for the first time in West Germany it was a remarkable achievement. Today the players from that team are still revered as pioneers and heroes. The new Australian jersey is in a vibrant yellow inspired by the design worn 40 years ago.
“The Socceroos will take on the world in Brazil determined to represent every Australian by showing the same spirit that binds the fabric of our country,” said Socceroo Coach Ange Postecoglou. “The 1974 team were trailblazers for our country and the 2014 Socceroos will wear a strip that will help inspire our players to represent the values of Australia by paying tribute to the 1974 Team.”
On the new design, Martin Lotti, Nike Football Creative Director said: “In addition to providing the leading performance benefits and innovations, our aim is to celebrate each country-s national pride,” said.
“We looked at the way Australia qualified for their first ever World Cup in 1974. These same determined qualities endure today and we wanted to reflect them in a kit that both celebrates Australia-s history and inspires the team that will play in Brazil.”
The Australian National Team kit will be available February 20, 2014 at Nike Only Stores, Rebel and all good football retailers. Pre-order from February 18, 2014 at shop.footballaustralia.com.au
RP: Top (adult) $100 Top (youth) $80 Shorts (adult) $50 Shorts (youth) $40