The Socceroos jersey has taken on many forms over the years. With so many unexpected changes, for better or for worse, who knows what the Socceroos will be wearing at the World Cup 2014 in Brazil? Let’s take a look back in history at some of the most memorable jerseys.
The Spew Jersey
Check out this sexy little number from the early nineties. It’s hard to tell whether fans have dubbed it the spew jersey because that is exactly what it looks like or whether it induces spewing from its sheer ugliness. The answer is perhaps a bit of both.
The Road Kill Jersey
Ever left your clothes out on a windy day, only to find that they’ve been blown to the road? And, as you look on in disbelief, some jerk does a massive burnout over your clothes forever staining them with tire rubber? Probably not – but that’s what most likely happened to the designer who came up with this jersey worn by the Socceroos in the mid-nineties.
The Mauling Jersey
This jersey from 1996 shows just how tough the Socceroos are. See those markings? Even getting mauled by a tiger doesn’t stop a Socceroo. If the World Cup 2010 Optus ads are anything to go by, heck, now the Socceroos are tougher than ever, training with rhinos, crocs and cheetahs.
The Green Fairy Jersey
You don’t need a bottle of absinthe to see the green fairy. Just have a look the Socceroos jersey from 2001. Green and gold was never so… green. My guess is that the designers were inspired by grass. I think both kinds of grass apply in this case. Yeah.
The Target Practice Jersey
Whoa! What’s with the circle? Our Socceroos were donning this get up in 2004. It makes me feel a bit nostalgic. Reminds me of those games at the fair where you’ve got to hit the targets. And some helpful kid would give me tips: “Look! Don’t aim for 23. That’s an impossible shot! Go for the numbers at the top. Not many points by easier to hit”. The kid’s right.
The Oil Spill Jersey
Back to basics. No patterns. No nothings. Only the essentials. This 2006 Socceroos jersey is quite popular with the fans. Some call it classy. Fashionable. Slick. I agree with slick because I get the sneaking suspicion that crude oil is the inspiration behind it.
The 2010 Jersey
Yes Lukas Neill. What to make of the 2010 Socceroos jersey? I can’t tell at the moment either. When you’re caught up in the excitement of the game there’s no time to really ponder on that matter. I’ll save the pondering for after July. Fans will remember this one though as the jersey the Socceroos wore at what was one heck of a World Cup. All I can say is… maybe the World Cup should consider adding on video refereeing to reduce human error when giving out red cards.
With World Cup 2014 set in Brazil, home of the extravagant and colourful Carnaval Festival, are we going to see the likes of the more outrageous designs such as the spew jersey coming back to the limelight? Your guess is as good as mine. Let’s just hope the Socceroos jersey for 2014 will be less spew inducing.
Leave a Comment