Infotainment Factory: 'Shattering news': Iconic Socceroos coach dies

The Australian football community is mourning the death of former Socceroos coach Rale Rasic, who died aged 87.

The Bosnian-born Rasic arrived in Australia in 1962 without any connections to Australia's football community, to be appointed national coach in 1970.

He was coach of the first Socceroos team to qualify for a World Cup, the 1974 edition in Germany.

In recent years, Rasic revealed he remained in contact with the '74 squad for his entire life.

"They are part of my family ... I certainly helped them realise their dreams but they also made me who I am with their devotion, commitment and loyalty," he once said.

He was asked two years ago, what the Socceroos meant to him.

"Very easy question and I have a simple answer: the Socceroos and the green and gold jersey are my life."

Rasic lent his expertise to several clubs in Australia, with the iconic coach guiding the likes of 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.

Rasic, a Sport Australia Hall of Fame member, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2004 for his service to the game as a player, coach and administrator.

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