On Thursday, Australia honored Rale Rasic as a pioneer after learning that the 87-year-old had passed away. Rasic was the man who led Australia to its first World Cup of football.
Graham Arnold, the current Socceroos coach, referred to it as “devastating,” and his team will wear black armbands for their friendly match against Argentina next Thursday in Beijing. During the first World Cup in 1974, Arnold stated that “Rale changed the game in Australia.”
Football Pioneer, Rale Rasic
Rasic was described as a pioneer by Football Australia when they announced his death, and former international Craig Foster agreed. Former Socceroo, who lived a passionate and fierce life for the game he loved, a legend of the 1974 World Cup, and a pioneer of the Socceroos team, wrote on Twitter.
At the age of just 34, Rasic was named Australia’s coach. During a 1972 world tour, Australia went undefeated in 12 games under his leadership.
- Australia honors Rale Rasic as a pioneer after 87-year-old passes.
- Football Australia identifies Rasic as a pioneer, and Foster agrees.
- Australian sporting history: Rasic transitions from orphan to youngest FIFA World Cup coach.
They famously drew 2-2 with a Pele-filled Santos team. Rasic’s influence and leadership, according to Football Australia, will never be forgotten.
According to the statement, the tragedy represented “one of the great sporting tales in Australian history.” Throughout his journey from orphan to young FIFA World Cup coach, Rasic tells his story as a Yugoslavian orphan and immigrant.
He left a lasting impression on Australian football as a player and coach, and the entire football community will remember and cherish his contributions to the game.
