The book "They Came From a Land Down Under" by Duncan Mackay recounts the remarkable journey of the Australian national soccer team, the Socceroos, to their debut at the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany. The book is a personal endeavour by Mackay, honouring a promise he made to his father to document the achievements of his uncle, Jimmy Mackay, who scored the decisive goal that secured Australia's place in the tournament.Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the book explores the challenges faced by soccer in Australia, a country where the sport was often considered an immigrant game and overshadowed by cricket, rugby, and Australian Rules football. Mackay vividly describes the cultural and sporting environment of the time, even touching on the less politically correct language of the era.The narrative is enriched with anecdotes such as the arrival of Pele's club Santos in Australia and the experience of watching Australia's group stage matches live, thanks to a young Mackay's fortuitous presence in Germany. The book also delves into the political climate of the time, including a demonstration against Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet during one of the matches. Mackay's work is well-researched, drawing on sources like the Australian paper "Soccer World." It features illustrations and a visually appealing cover design by Elliot Willis. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the limited English-language literature on the 1974 World Cup, providing insights into a pivotal moment in Australian soccer history. Sports Journalists' Association.
"They Came From a Land Down Under" by Duncan Mackay is a fascinating exploration of the Australian national soccer team, the Socceroos, and their groundbreaking journey to the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany. This book is deeply personal for Mackay, as it fulfils a promise he made to his father to document the remarkable achievements of his uncle, Jimmy Mackay, who played a pivotal role in securing Australia's place in the World Cup.
The book provides a vivid depiction of the 1970s, a time when rugby and cricket frequently overshadowed soccer in Australia. Mackay provides an insightful look into the cultural and sporting landscape of the era, highlighting the challenges faced by soccer as it struggled for recognition and acceptance in a country where it was viewed as an immigrant game.
Mackay enriches his narrative with compelling anecdotes, including stories about Pele's club Santos touring Australia and the young author's own experiences of watching the Socceroos' group matches live in Germany. The book also touches on significant political events of the time, such as a protest against Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet during one of the World Cup games.
This well-researched volume draws from various sources, including the Australian paper "Soccer World," and features captivating illustrations and cover design by Elliot Willis. "They Came From a Land Down Under" is a valuable addition to the sparse English-language literature on the 1974 World Cup and offers a unique perspective on a defining moment in Australian soccer history.
"They Came From a Land Down Under" by Duncan Mackay is a fascinating exploration of the Australian national soccer team, the Socceroos, and their groundbreaking journey to the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany. This book is deeply personal for Mackay, as it fulfils a promise he made to his father to document the remarkable achievements of his uncle, Jimmy Mackay, who played a pivotal role in securing Australia's place in the World Cup.
The book provides a vivid depiction of the 1970s, a time when rugby and cricket frequently overshadowed soccer in Australia. Mackay provides an insightful look into the cultural and sporting landscape of the era, highlighting the challenges faced by soccer as it struggled for recognition and acceptance in a country where it was viewed as an immigrant game.
Mackay enriches his narrative with compelling anecdotes, including stories about Pele's club Santos touring Australia and the young author's own experiences of watching the Socceroos' group matches live in Germany. The book also touches on significant political events of the time, such as a protest against Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet during one of the World Cup games.
This well-researched volume draws from various sources, including the Australian paper "Soccer World," and features captivating illustrations and cover design by Elliot Willis. "They Came From a Land Down Under" is a valuable addition to the sparse English-language literature on the 1974 World Cup and offers a unique perspective on a defining moment in Australian soccer history.
