It is amazing how the unsung sport of Australia- Soccer - managed to take off. Being the "ancillary" game after Australian Rules Football (a type of rugby) and Rugby, Australian football (for the avoidance of doubt, means "soccer" here) took the international scene by storm when the national side qualified for World Cup - and went all the way to the knockout stages two years ago. How did the sport improve despite a lack of fan-based support? Definitely not without several rough patches along the way, says Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar.
Follow the Australian's story and interview by ESPN's Jason Dasey here.
Excerpt: Q: Being Adelaide-born and bred, have you been surprised by the way the A-League has taken off and the size of the crowds around the country? Is the Adelaide market growing as it might?
A: No, not surprised at all. I always knew that if they could get it right at the top then it would all fall into place. The market is growing all the time and the state of South Australia is now getting behind the team. We now get recognised wherever we go, which would never happen before.
After LoTP's Malaysian footballing Crisis post that drew much international attention, perhaps we may be able to "look south" to Australia and get some inspiration.
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