If you’ve been supporting our Socceroos since way back or are new to the national team, it’s always handy to have facts to share with your fellow Socceroo fans and mates.
So, with the Asian Cup kicking off on Friday night when our boys face Kuwait in Melbourne, here are ten Socceroo facts to impress your buddies before the game.
1: Socceroo skipper Mile Jedinak was discovered by the Mayor of Gosford
Bizarre; yet true. Lawrie McKinna, then coach of Hyundai A-League club Central Coast Mariners, spotted Jedinak in the NSW Premier League back in 2006. Mile went on to become a club favourite, left for Europe and now is captain of his English Premier League club Crystal Palace as well as his nation. The popular McKinna has since gone on to become Mayor of Gosford.
2: Bale and me…
Socceroo midfielder Massimo Luongo began his European career at Tottenham Hotspurs. Back then, the Swindon Town star was team-mates with Welsh superstar Gareth Bale (who is due in Australia later this year with world powerhouse Real Madrid).
3: Spira’s been everywhere….
Socceroo defender Matt Spiranovic began his club career in Geelong before a long spell in Germany, then Japan and Qatar before heading home to the Hyundai A-League. What’s more in 2014 “Spira” traversed Asia numerous times with the Wanderers as well heading to Brazil to represent Australia at the World Cup in Brazil.
4: Kruse control
The last time the Socceroos played in Melbourne was June 11, 2013. That night, Robbie Kruse starred as the Aussies beat Jordan 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier. We qualified for the World Cup four days later after defeating Iraq in Sydney.
5: Tim’s a Twitter superstar
Tim Cahill has 712,000 followers at last count. If you’re one of the few fans not following him, head to @Tim_Cahill
6: Tim and Terry: teammates for years
Tim Cahill being selected in the Socceroos with Terry Antonis is hugely special for the pair. Tim’s been guiding Terry’s career for years.
7: Island Socceroo
Socceroo striker Nathan Burns once played for a club in the Greek Isles. While under contract with powerhouse AEK Athens he was loaned out to second division club Corfu in 2010. The current Wellington Phoenix star helped the Corfiots to promotion that season.
8: Like father, like son
Socceroo Jason Davidson’s father Alan is one of the greatest ever Socceroos. He even played in exactly the same position: both Davidson Jnr and Snr are left backs.
9: Can I help you?
Socceroo central defender Alex Wilkinson once worked in a surf shop in Sydney before he went on to become a star in the Hyundai A-League the K-League and represent Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
10: Bresciano: Lion of the Socceroos
The great Mark Bresciano has been there and done it all with the Socceroos over the last 14 years. World Cups, Asian Cups, he’s been there and done it all. The Melbourne-born “Bresh” debuted for his nation in 2001. His first club was Bulleen Lions.
Make sure you get your family and friends together and RISE with the Socceroos! Tickets are available by clicking here www.socceroos.com.au/tickets
Join us on our journey throughout the AFC Asian Cup 2015 in January by downloading the Official Socceroos app! Download the app through the App Store or Google Play store, or CLICK HERE