
The World Cup commences tonight and with it, Australia’s first appearance in 32 years.
Here at FDB we’ll be following the progress of the Aussie team for a number of reasons. Firstly, we like football and taking a leaf out of our European brethren’s book, the politics of anti-racism are usually never far from the football terraces. Of course it goes without saying that the Aussie team are a screamingly obvious example of how people from different backgrounds can come together to make beautiful music (figuratively speaking). Mike Cockerill summed it up best upon our qualification for the finals:
In a multicultural nation in a fractured world, the Socceroos can bring together the sum of their parts: Muslim, Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican. German, Lebanese, Polynesian, Croatian, Italian, Melanesian, Greek. It is a rich tapestry but last night they - and we - were one thing only. Australian.
We will also be watching with interest how the various European neo-Nazi groups seek to hijack the tournament.
Tip: Brazil v England final and it will go to penalties. Australia to make the second round only to be bundled out by Italy.
Kiwis take note: Striker Archie Thompson is New Zealand born to PNG parents. Midfielder Tim Cahill has a Samoan mother and presumably has 45000 first cousins living in South Auckland.
Morningside for life!


