Johnny Warren's Football Mission

This fascinating and moving film charts the life of the soccer legend. From the early days growing up in Botany in the south of Sydney where he dared to choose football over rugby league, through his illustrious playing career both at his club St. George and as "Captain Socceroo", and his continuing influence throughout his life on the sport he loved both at home and abroad.

With never before seen footage of classic Socceroo matches including their first ever attempt to qualify for the 1966 World Cup and the stunning goal that clinched a place at the 1974 World Cup, key interviews with Johnny Warren's family, old team-mates and football journalists, this film is a must for everyone interested in the beautiful game.

Despite playing for his country 62 times including the 1974 World Cup it was off the field that he had his greatest impact. As an analyst on SBS television his outspoken yet informed opinions won him credibility with the fans but did not always endear him to the often self-interested governing bodies, and at one stage he even suffered death threats for what he so passionately believed in.

Not to be deterred Johnny Warren continued to campaign tirelessly for the sport he loved so dearly before being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002. The fight against the disease became another "mission" and he fought it with the courage and dignity he displayed not he football pitch. After his untimely death in 2004 he was the first sportsman to be given a full State funeral as a nation mourned his passing.

Set against the backdrop of Australia's recent World Cup qualification match against Uruguay Johnny Warren's Football Mission shows how far Australia has come in the football world and just how much the sport is indebted to its favourite son.

Narrated by
Anthony LaPaglia

© 2006 Special Broadcasting Service Corporation

Видео Johnny Warren's Football Mission канала Johnny Warren Fans