Former Socceroos coach Rale Rasic has been lauded as a “giant” of the game after the football pioneer passed away aged 87.
The Bosnian-born Rasic was the first coach to take Australia to the World Cup finals, in Germany in 1974.
Current Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said it was devastating to lose someone who “changed the game” in Australia.
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“Rale changed the game in Australia in 1974, qualifying Australia for the first World Cup ever,” Arnold said.
“The amount of passion and love that Rale had for football has never drifted too far away from myself and he has been a great inspiration for me over the years.
“He was such a great man, he loved a chat, and loved a story, and he always kept those stories going and that motivated a lot of people in life.
“I never had the privilege of playing underneath him, but I have no doubt there are a lot of guys that played under him that would be devastated today to hear this news.”
In memory of Rasic, the Socceroos will wear black armbands during their upcoming friendly against World Cup champions Argentina in Beijing, China.
A Sport Australia Hall of Fame member, Rasic is regarded as one of Australia’s most influential football identities.
A former player in Yugoslavia, he arrived in Australia in 1962 without any connections to Australia’s football community and was appointed national coach in 1970, aged just 26.
At the 1974 World Cup, Rasic was in charge as the Socceroos were beaten by East Germany 2-0, lost to eventual champions West Germany 3-0 and then drew 0-0 with Chile.
He was dumped as coach after the tournament but his coaching career included stints at Melbourne Hungaria, St George, Marconi Stallions, Pan Hellenic, Adelaide City, Blacktown City, South Melbourne, APIA Leichhardt, Canterbury-Marrickville, Rockdale Ilinden, Fairfield Bulls and Canberra Cosmos.
Football Australia chairman, Chris Nikou, called Rasic “a giant” of the game in Australia.
“His dedication to representing Australia and his remarkable achievements as a player, coach, and administrator will forever be etched in our nation‘s football history,” Nikou said.
“Rale’s influence extended beyond the game, shaping the careers of numerous players, and leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loved.”
Socceroos great Robbie Slater tweeted: “Rale Rasic forever a legend and a lovely man! RIP.”
Sport Australia chief executive officer Adrianne Sarkozy said Rasic was the “epitome” of the organisation’s Hall of Fame’s “vision”.
“He conducted himself with integrity, generosity, modesty and most of all, pride,” Sarkozy said.
“He wore his Sport Australia Hall of Fame Member medal with the upmost pride, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him part of our family.”