"We are a soccer house: we are diehard Socceroo (and Matildas) fans, we are jumping on the furniture with joy at Australia’s 2-0 victory over Türkiye in their opening men’s World Cup game today ...
"It’s a proud day for Australia, but it’s not one that 'anti-migrant' or 'anti-refugee; locals get to share with the rest of us.
- 8 of the present squad who just played the most disciplined, meticulous game in our men’s World Cup history were born overseas - three of those in refugee camps.
- The 26 players come from 15 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- That amazing first goal? Scored by Nestory Irankunda (#17) who was born a Burundian refugee in Tanzania.
- [And just in case we forgot him, coach Tony Popovic's parents migrated from Croatia.]
"When Australia gives opportunity, it’s repaid in talent. It’s repaid in joy. That’s the real story of this country. Every wave of migration brings more of the amazing world we live in to us, making all of us more capable and courageous in engaging with that world, whether our endeavours are in sport or art, business, research, or anything else.
"So I want to say this to everyone jumping on the 'anti-migrant” bandwagon, and everyone making excuses for themselves as they sidle up to those who do:
"The Australian green and gold represents a landscape of 'boundless plains to share'* with anyone from anywhere who chooses this place and chooses to be Australian.
"The victory the rest of us are celebrating today is one of an Australia produced by migration.
"If you can’t grasp that, I can’t help but wonder what team you’re really on. "
~ Van Badham
* These words are in the Oz National Anthem. Look it up.
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