Local customs are important – here as well as in Saudi Arabia
There are inadvertent breaches of protocol. There are cultural misunderstandings. Such things are inevitable in international sport. But there is also downright insensitivity.
Michael Lynch, The Age's expert on soccer, has had extensive experience of high level journalism in the UK and Australia. Michael has covered the Socceroos through Asia, Europe and South America in their past three World Cup campaigns. He has also reported on Grands Prix and top class motor sport from Asia and Europe. He has won several national media awards for both sports and industry journalism.
There are inadvertent breaches of protocol. There are cultural misunderstandings. Such things are inevitable in international sport. But there is also downright insensitivity.
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Think of a cliche about the beautiful game and Brazil is sure to come straight to mind.
There must be something in the water – or air – in Adelaide, certainly where breeding sibling Socceroos is concerned.
For the best part of three decades Saudi Arabia were the powerhouses of Asian Football.
Australian soccer's 'next big thing' has put career development ahead of the prospect of a bumper pay day.
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