Socceroos Fan Nervous About Lack Of Croatian Surnames On This World Cup Squad

MONTY BENFICA | Amusements | CONTACT

A 34 year old Socceroos fan is getting slightly nervous about the lack of Croatian representation on this years World Cup squad.

"Yeah nah we've come along way for sure but I just remember a time when the number of Yugoslavian men on our team dictated how well we'd do" explained Matty Summervale.

The lifelong supporter says he understands modern Australia is more diverse than ever, but admits seeing a team sheet without at least half a dozen surnames ending in "ic" "makes him feel strangely exposed.

"I'd never thought about it before, but so many iconic Socceroos memory in my head involves some bloke called Viduka, Skoko, Kalac, Culina, Covic or Popovic absolutely putting his body on the line."

 Matty says he instinctively trusts any Australian footballer from former Yugoslavia.

The small nation of Croatia in particular, which has reached three semi finals since 1998 and a final in 2018, with only a population of 5 million people, has well and truly made its mark on Australian soccer.

Croatian Australians, much like many other southern European communities in Australia, largely formed their communities around local soccer clubs, and were the foundation of Australian soccer throughout the 20th century.

"I don't make the rules. If the commentator says his parents came from Split and his uncle runs a club canteen, I automatically assume he's got a rocket of a left foot"

He insists he has complete faith in the current squad, but admitted he spent twenty minutes scrolling through the player list looking for a reassuring "Kovacevic" or "Juric".