Australia’s Degenek emotional: “From absolutely nothing to winning a World Cup game”

War refugee as a child

Milos Degenek has shown great emotion after Australia’s first World Cup win in 12 years. “From absolutely nothing to winning a World Cup game,” wrote the 28-year-old on Twitter after the 1-0 win over Tunisia. He represented the country that gave him everything, he said. “Never stop believing in yourself,” wrote Degenek. His post should show “that life is the most beautiful thing”. He also provided a picture that shows him sitting on the bench, moved.

Not a political post or a post about any war. Just a post to show that life is the most beautiful thing. From absolutely nothing to winning a World Cup Game. Representing the country that gave me everything. Thank you @Socceroos never stop believing in yourself pic.twitter.com/24flKtFc8I

— Miloš Degenek (@milosdegenek45) November 26, 2022

Degenek was born in Knin, Croatia. He was 18 months old when his family fled to Belgrade, Serbia, because of the Croatian War of Independence. “I was on a tractor with my mum, my brother and my family and ended up living in a home with 22 other people,” he said in an interview published ahead of the World Cup on the Australian FA’s website. At the age of six, Degenek fled again with his family – this time to Australia because of the Kosovo war. In addition, he was extremely often ill as a child, he reported. In his youth, the defensive man played several international matches for both Serbia and Australia, at club level he also returned to Belgrade and played for the local top club Red Star.

Degenek was also active in Germany: in the youth and for the second team of VfB Stuttgart and for TSV 1860 Munich in the 2nd Bundesliga. He has been playing in Major League Soccer with the Columbus Crew since January, and his contract there runs until the end of next year. Its market value had recently dropped from 2.5 to 2 million euros. Degenek, who came on as a substitute in the 4-1 draw with France at the start of the tournament, played his 39th game for Australia’s senior team against Tunisia. Degenek and his teammates, including Jackson Irvine from FC St. Pauli, are now hoping for the first round of 16 at a World Cup in 16 years. The last group game is on Wednesday (4 p.m.) against Denmark.

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