ABSTRACT
Demonstrable sectarianism and severity towards the sport of soccer in Australia has not prevented the country from reaching the FIFA World Cup tournament on several occasions. The national team, the Socceroos, have made qualification something of a normality. Despite reaching a position of some prestige in the social and cultural landscape, the sport finds itself in an unusual situation in Australia: a global enterprise that continues to struggle against rival and entrenched sporting codes despite its universal message; and an assortment of ethnic and cultural associations saddling it. In this, the game faces various challenges, with its supporters attempting to show its global appeal while trying to avoid suggestions of parochialism. Brazil 2014 provided the ideal platform for that demonstration.
