Socceroos to Make Buckeroos

Australia haven’t even begun the World Cup, but its players are already a winner.

Reports today that the Socceroos will each earn close to AU$150,000 just for lacing it up and playing for their country. If they advance to the second round their paychecks will double.

More power to them.

For too long soccer players in Australia have been underpaid and forced to go elsewhere to make a living. With all the sponsorship and hype that the club has garnered, lots of people will be making money off their blood, sweat, and (hopefully not too many) tears.

The amazing thing to see is that in 1974 the Australian players made $13.50 for appearing in the World Cup. That’s right, $13.50, which is roughly the cost of a pint in Germany this summer.