John Kosmina revealed he was completely surprised after being named in the Subway Socceroos’ Team of the Century at the pre-match Centenary function at Suncorp Stadium last week.
A prolific striker during the National Soccer League era, most notably at Sydney City, Kosmina also enjoyed a successful international career with Australia.
Between 1976 and 1988, Kosmina scored 25 goals and won 60 caps for his country.
Speaking to Network 10 before the Subway Socceroos’ friendly clash with New Zealand in Brisbane, Kosmina admitted his inclusion was unexpected and almost brought him to tears.
“To be honest I was up at the function when it got announced and I had the shock of my life,” Kosmina explained.
“I didn’t expect because I’m in very, very esteemed company.
“It almost brought a tear to my eye which is something to say.”
2022 marks 100 years since Australia’s first men’s ‘A’ international which occurred against the All Whites in Dunedin.
Consequently, as part of the celebrations, a The Team of the Century, containing 23 players and four coaches, was released by Football Australia after more than 110,000 individual player and coach selections were digitally submitted by supporters throughout August and September.
In addition to the 16 fan selections, Football Australia’s Panel of Historians nominated seven further players to be acknowledged in the team.
Kosmina added it was a tremendous honour to be recognised in the Centenary Squad for his achievements as a player.
“It’s amazing that we can actually play the Kiwi’s on such an occasion as this,” he continued.
“For me to be in that team with 100 years of Socceroos before and after me it is a real honour.”