This is such a great thing to see. I remember when we won the Asian Cup in 2015. No one in this country was paying attention (well just some of us, but not many). It was sad.
Went to a pub with a mate and it was only us and 4 lost souls watching the game. Everyone else seemed completely oblivious the game was on and pretty much didn't even care. We were winning and those of us watching were fucking excited! We were singing and cheering the team on. But I have this memory of looking around me and thinking what the fuck is wrong with this country mate?
Back in Colombia, since like forever, when the national team plays, the whole country goes yellow. Doctors stop surgeries, companies stop to watch the game, the entire country supports the team. It's magical, really. A beautiful thing to see and experience. The vibe is incredible.
For a Colombian Australian like me the contrast was massive and not in a good way. At the time I thought, I hope one day, this beautiful sport is truly appreciated in this incredible nation, Australia.
Fast forward a decade later and the day has finally come. And I'm glad to still be alive to see it. It fills me with joy to see the streets of Australia in Gold and Green, people finally celebrating a victory and people finally coming together under one banner as a nation. It is so beautiful to witness. I love Australia so much! And the Socceroos are making us proud. I hope the entire country gets behind the team like never before so that football soccer continues to grow and thrive in Australia and so that it is given the recognition it deserves.
It is also great to see a team that truly represents the diversity and true spirit of Australia. People from all corners of the world, some born here, others in other countries, coming together to support our national spirit. It's truly something special to behold.
And since I'm I dreamer, I still dream of us being the host nation. We are the only continent who hasn't hosted a World Cup. And I blame FIFA of course and their corruption. Why are some countries repeating at being a host nation when Australia hasn't been a host nation even once? It feels like such an injustice. We deserve that chance and more.
By the way, today when I opened the Sydney Morning Herald online, I was expecting to see the mighty Socceroos right there at the top, front and centre. Sadly it wasn't the case. Still something to improve. The media are still not doing enough. They'd rather focus on the political nonsense of other countries, not even ours, than on an important victory. That needs to change, and I hope it changes soon and not in another decade.