Rale Rasic, first coach to take Socceroos to FIFA World Cup in 1974, dies aged 87

The coach who led the Socceroos to their first World Cup look nearly 50 years in the past is being remembered as considered one of Australia’s most vital sporting pioneers after his loss of life aged 87.

Rale Rasic died in Sydney on Thursday.

Born in Mostar, in then-Yugoslavia, Rasic arrived in Australia in 1962 on the again half of his taking part in profession, trying to break away from the shackles of European soccer.

He was later chosen to spearhead the Socceroos earlier than their profitable 1973 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign.

The qualification got here at a time when there have been solely 16 groups within the draw — a far cry from the 32 groups that certified alongside the Socceroos for his or her subsequent World Cup look greater than 30 years later.

Soccer Australia chairman Chris Nikou stated Rasic was a “large of Australian soccer” and had an immeasurable affect on the game.

“His dedication to representing Australia and his exceptional achievements as a participant, coach, and administrator will ceaselessly be etched in our nation’s soccer historical past,” he stated.

“Rale’s affect prolonged past the sport, shaping the careers of quite a few gamers, and leaving an indelible mark on the game he cherished.”

Present Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold stated Rasic “modified the sport in Australia”.

“The quantity of ardour and love that Rale had for soccer has by no means drifted too distant from myself and he has been an amazing inspiration for me over time,” he stated.

‘Australia’s biggest coach’

Rasic’s good pal and regional soccer coach Heinrich Haussler stated he first watched his profession from afar, earlier than forming a life-long friendship with the person he calls “Australia’s biggest coach”.

“He was the youngest coach [in the World Cup] and I’d by no means in my wildest goals suppose I’d be pals with him.”

Many years later, when Haussler was residing within the NSW city of Inverell, he met Rasic on the Gold Coast earlier than taking a bunch of younger soccer gamers from regional NSW to look at the 2006 World Cup in Germany – Australia’s first qualification because the 1974 history-making feat.

“I used to be so humble and nervous after I met him,” Haussler stated.

“We talked and I advised him all about my group.

“Rale got here to speak to my group in Inverell and he was a beautiful inspiration — he got here on tour with us to the 2010 World Cup in Germany additionally.”

Rale’s legacy stays

After the abroad journey, Haussler had the genesis of what would turn out to be the Joey’s Mini World Cup, a youth soccer event that’s nonetheless held in Inverell, attracting younger footballers from round Australia.

Haussler stated Rasic confirmed him a aspect to teaching he had by no means seen earlier than.

“He would get into the top of the gamers, study what makes them tick, to make them need this. He would educate them to make the ball their greatest pal,” Haussler stated.

“He taught me rather a lot about folks administration, he gave me the boldness that I can do this. However having him on my aspect, it felt prefer it opened each door.”

Haussler stated Australian soccer owes it is existence to teach Rasic.

“I all the time get a little bit bit indignant after I see how little is finished for him,” he stated.

“In Germany, for those who’re a nationwide coach, you’re the king however right here we choose an excessive amount of on [our coaches].

Rasic was inducted into the Sport Australia Corridor of Fame in 1989, and in 2001 he was awarded the Australian Sports activities Medal and the Centenary Medal for “companies to soccer”.

In 2004 he acquired the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to soccer as a participant, coach and administrator.

ABC/AAP