The early success of the Socceroos at the World Cup has again shone a light on the success stories of multicultural Australia. From refugee camps and humble migrant beginnings to sport's greatest stage- here's the story, as told through the eyes of three members of the Australian squad.
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TRANSCRIPT
The early success of the Socceroos at the World Cup has again shone a light on the success stories of multicultural Australia.
From refugee camps and humble migrant beginnings to sport's greatest stage- here's the story, as told through the eyes of three members of the Australian squad.
They say everyone has a story.
For many in Australia, the beginning of that story sounds something like what Socceroos defender Milos Degenek told SBS' Portuguese program earlier this year.
"During the war in 1995, we fled to Serbia. I was only 18 months old when we fled. We went first to Belgrade, then to a town called Arandelovac, and we stayed there for a while- not the easiest of lives, obviously, very very difficult, having to leave everything behind in Croatia."
Five years later, in 2000, salvation arrived for the Degenek family, from the initiative of their father, in the form of a country on the other side of the world.
"And through some people, he had the opportunity through the Red Cross to get us over to Australia, to, I guess as refugees, search for a better life. And that happened- happened after the Olympics in 2000, we ended up going to Australia. First, we landed in Campsie in Sydney, and then we went to Liverpool. And, yeah, that is where the journey started. Obviously, we lost everything once, moved, left everything behind, moved to Australia with absolutely nothing. And I'm glad, in a way, that it happened that way, because that kind of gave me some strength and resilience in terms of being the person I am today."
Degenek, now representing Australia at the World Cup, represents the latest generation of a long line of European migrants and their children to have made a huge impact on football in Australia.
But the story of the Socceroos constantly represents the changing story of Australia- and those from other migrant backgrounds also now shine through.
The Socceroos World Cup opener against Turkiye has brought the influence of African migrants on Australian football into sharp focus.
"Here's Nestory... great first touch. Nestory Irankunda... oh, my word! It's a Nestory moment in Vancouver!"
Nestory Irankunda's sensational goal on the counter-attack- as recorded there by the dulcet tones of SBS' David Basheer- put Australia on the path to victory.
Irankunda is one of eight members of the Socceroos squad for this World Cup born overseas- and one of three born in African refugee camps.
Another in this group is Awer Mabil.
Born to South Sudanese parents in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, he moved to Australia at the age of ten.
Now representing his country at a second World Cup, he says his play for the Socceroos is a reflection of the gratitude he, and many in his position, feel towards Australia.
"It's co-incidence again that it is refugee week in the World Cup, and, also at the same time, we have many refugees in the team, and at the same time, when I reflect back, we all belong to this world together. So, we've all just got to thank Australia and do our very best for the country that has taken in so many refugees over the years, and has done that for a long time."
Mabil is acutely aware that this week is Refugee week, co-ordinated by the Refugee Council of Australia.
Mabil says his story should inspire those who are in similar situations to what he once was, to never give up hope.
"You know, I have a story of there was war in my country, so my parents fled my country, and Australia took us in through a humanitarian visa. That's how I was able to go to Australia. And many others had their way of going to Australia, and their reasons. So, you know, for me, it's a refugee week, and it's a week where I would like to say to anybody who is misplaced all over the world that we are with you, and we are on the world stage right now, in a big tournament, and just to tell you that everything is possible, so keep going."
The story continues.
When coach Tony Popovic relieved Irankunda of his duties on the hour mark against Turkiye, it was almost a symbolic handing of the baton.
His replacement was 25-year-old Melbourne Victory winger Nishan Velupillay.the son of a Malaysian father of Sri Lankan Tamil descent, and an Anglo-Indian mother.
He's the first Tamil to play in the World Cup for any nation.
He says he's both proud of that- and keen to repay his family for the sacrifices they've made for him, as is the case for so many migrant and refugee families.
"Yeah, I guess, it showcases the cultures we've got in this Australian squad. And yes, it's proud for my family. They did a lot to get me here, and a lot of sacrifice. And if can pay them back, that is the dream."
It's a dream the rest of the nation, whatever their background, is lucky enough to be able to go along for the ride with.
