Fenech’s message a winner for Roos

DIE for each other, die for Australia and be prepared to die yourself for victory.

This was the video message from one of Australia’s greatest sportsmen that inspired a Socceroos side heading to the 2022 World Cup.

National coach Graham Arnold turned to his sporting hero, former world boxing champion Jeff Fenech, to energise his side before qualifying for a fifth successive World Cup with a penalty shootout win over Peru in Doha.

Just 10 minutes after fulltime, amid the wild celebrations, Arnold was straight onto the phone to thank Fenech.

In the video, Fenech (pictured) told the players: “Be prepared to die out there for Australia. As a matter fact, .... Australia, do it for yourself. Be ready to die to win – do this for yourself.

“This has been put in your hands. You have a job to do. Graham has told you what to do, now go out and do it.

“Half the world, half of Australia, mightn’t think you can win but guys, as a team, you can beat anybody.

“Love each other, die for each other and do Australia proud. Believe me that I believe in you guys.

“I know you can win. Love you guys.”

Fenech later revealed how the video was organised.

“Arnie rang me and asked how I was feeling on my own before my world title fights. He asked me 100 questions and I told him how confident I was before each fight because of my preparation,” Fenech said.

“We spoke about a lot of things and he said: ‘Jeff, can you put a video together and say something to the boys’. Arnie said they were in awe and watched it so intently.”