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Post by ozbrit on Jul 25, 2013 0:06:54 GMT
I wonder has British TV been following Liverpool FC's friendly game with Melbourne Victory? In short the attendance was a whopping 95,500 with the vast bulk in red, 20,000 even paid to watch training the previous day.
There's an increasing support downunder for football or soccer as it's better known here. The big problem with Aussie football is it's having to win support from either Aussie Rules and Rugby league which are the traditional codes for Aussies. Then there's the fact that European clubs - particularly those from the Premier League have their scouts methodically scouring Junior football for potential talent. When they turn some up the young players parents can expect a visit along with the obligatory chocs and cigars, very soon the boy's on the books of an overseas club. As a result the Aussie domestic game is limited to second choice and a sprinkling of 'past their best' players (to be polite)like Harry Kewell as flagship players. With every Premier league match shown live here (viewers choice etc) and on the basic sports subscription, Aussies know the real deal football-wise and it isn't to be found within Oz.
So the demand for top quality football is undoubted, but how does a country like Oz already competing with better established codes prevent leakage of the very players it needs to take the game to the next level? It's a frustration to say the least.
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