The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is mourning esteemed Member Zvonimir ‘Rale’ Rasic OAM after he passed away at 87 years old.

Rale had a unique position in Australian soccer having been the first coach to take Australia to a World Cup finals.

A former player in Yugoslavia, he arrived in Australia in 1962 with no connection to Australia‘s football community.

He revolutionised the game in Australia, was appointed national coach in 1970 at just 26 years of age, starting a run of success for the Socceroos that included a 12-match unbeaten streak on a 1972 world tour. He masterminded Australia’s qualification and participation. Between 1970 to 1974, Rale coached Australia in 58 international matches.

In 1974 Rasic was listed among the top 35 coaches in the world by German Soccer expert Fritz Hack, and in 1977 and 1987 he was voted the national league coach of the year. He was a television presenter on SBS, during the Australian network’s 2006 FIFA World Cup coverage. In 2004 Rasic was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to soccer as a player, coach and administrator.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame CEO Adrianne Sarkozy said:
“Rale Rasic was the epitome of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s vision – he conducted himself with integrity, generosity, modesty and most of all, pride. 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.

Rale was not only the first coach to take Australia a World Cup final, he made an unimaginable contribution to the sport.

One of Australia’s most influential football identities. You will be missed my friend, but never forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Rale’s family and friends and the many lives he touched throughout his decorated life and selfless life.”

Read Rale Rasic’s full biography here.