frank farina

A former Socceroo, Frank began his playing career for Australia in 1984 when he was named a substitute player in the game against China. He represented Australia from 1984-1995. He played senior level soccer for 16 years (1983-1999).

Frank is best known as a coach rather than a player. His first coaching position was with Marconi Fairfield as a playing coach during the 1997/98 season. He retired from playing altogether at the end of this season.

He was appointed the Australian National Coach in 1999. As coach of this side, they won their first match in 2000 against Hungary 3-0 in Budapest. Australia won the Oceania Nations Cup in the same year.

2001 started out as a promising year for Farina as Australia had convincing wins against teams like New Zealand, Tonga an Brazil on their way to the World Cup Qualifier, but it was not be when they were defeated on Aggregate in Uruguay.

2005 was Frank’s last year as coach at the Confederations Cup. He departed by “mutual consent” on 29 June 2005.