Apart from not being a good game to watch compared to Aussie rules there are three major problems with soccer that will ensure that it will continue to be a fringe game in Oz. 1). Just about all our top soccer player leave the country to play with over seas clubs there by reducing the skill level of the local comp. Aussie Kids that don't switch to the other codes once they get out from under Mummy's skirts tend to dream about playing for a overseas club. 2). The English Soccer scores are of more concern to Anglo soccer fan then the A league scores. 3). Despite a lot of work over the last few years many clubs in Australia are still ethically based.
A reading of the Aussie rules players names shows that just about all groups of our wonderful multicultural country have embrace the beautiful game that is Aussie rules.

I tend to agree with the author; now we have cracked the World Cup it will not be too long before we see a sustained world class performance - for no other reasont han we constantly punch above ourweight in most sports - with the exception od track and field perhaps - there's enough room on the paddock for each of the four codes - but I would be nervous if I was a Rugby League fan - they always look about one scandal away from implosion.

AFL is a great game - but so is soccer and Union and to a lesser extent League - comparing them is a waste of time - they each have merit - we should just enjoy the success of all of the codes.

It seems inevitable that soccer/football will continue to gain strength at its elite levels, to the point where it becomes a more competitive mass media sport in Australia. One day, many of the elite players will be able to base themselves here. AFL and RL have nowhere to go as international sports, and true international competition is the key to the long term health of a sport. AFL does not even have a serious state rep competition and its growth outside of the southern states has stalled, while RL and RU have stagnated at the junior levels of the codes. They are all fine codes to watch on their day, but for the long term, soccer will make more inroads into the consciousness of Australian sports consumers at a better rate than the rival codes.

Kenny, you forgot a couple of things, soccer seems to create violence of the field. We are seeing more examples of it now at the world cup. Also its borig except for a couple of seconds, so no wonder the followers get restless and fight each other. Simple minds for a simple game.

We have the same with league, a violent sport that breeds morons on and off the field. Union at least can get interesting with its non stop play. Then we have players rolling in agony on the ground only to jump up and play on after getting the penalty, tough blokes these guys.

But with Aussie rules, its go, go, go, for 120 minutes so everyone has the chance to let of steam as their teams scores and get enjoyment watching the miriade of skills that are displayed in the game from both sides. So I doubt soccer will ever overcome Aussie rules, it will increase in populatirty, as long as its ethnically inclined and produces violence, it will not progress its acceptance. You can see the violence at many junior games around the country already, between parents and supporters. Its a game that tends to breed frustration in spectators

Go the socceroo's, I'll be getting up to watch them flog the Croats and move to the next round.

That soccer is not an Australian game is still reflected in the surnames of most of its players and fans. Until recently, the names of different clubs were ‘ethnic’, non-Australian. Still, there is ill feeling among different ethnic groups at soccer matches. Fights break out among fans in a most “un-Australian” way. AFL players do the fighting for us, on field!

When Greece played the Socceroos here recently, young fans of Greek origin paraded the streets with Greek flags, even though they were several generations down the track Australians. Yesterday, on ABC radio, a World Cup player, born in Australia but playing against Australia because, he said, he felt Croatian. Like many people living in Australia today, he connects with the country of his ancestors more than he does with the country of his birth. He trained at the Australian Institute of Sport to play against the country of his birth!

The ethnic tribal instincts that soccer encouraged in immigrants of the late ‘40’s and the 50’s and 60’s is still there.

AFL and Rugby might be “internationally insignificant”, but AFL at least, is uniquely Australian and, as such, should remain THE game.

Everyone enjoys a circus, and the World Cup has provided one for many people who normally would not follow soccer. The World Cup is a two-week wonder and, hopefully, the hysteria worked up by the media will be short term.

Australia has already been neutered by multiculturalism. It’s high time for Australians to show more feeling for their country than they do for what is merely a pastime. Soccer should remain where it is on the list: AFL, Cricket, Rugby, then Soccer.

Leigh.

You drag out all the negative stereotypes regarding soccer. I remember being chased into Albert Park Lake by Collingwood supporters when they lost to South Melbourne. There have been fights after league games just as there has been with soccer.

Your second paragraph could relate to Andrew Symonds who choose to play for Australia not his country of birth. Of course this is not an option for AFL players.

If you look at the history of AFL it is a very English game, its original law makers going to Rugby school and Cambridge university.

The sleeping giant of soccer is just waking in Australia if you do not see the threat to the internationally irrelevant codes you have rocks in your head.

When Australia get eliminated from the World Cup they then start playing Asian Cup qualification games, again with huge crowds. A-league matches are already gaining higher ratings that super 14 after just 1 season.

Go Footballeroos.