is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Javier Brosque arrived in Australia from Uruguay when he was 9 years old. His son Alex went on to play for the Socceroos 21 times.
Alex Brosque says he never considered playing for the nation where his father was born.
“If I was fortunate enough, I was always going to pick Australia,” he told SBS News.
“I'm glad I did, but I still enjoy, definitely, watching Uruguay play.”
Alex Brosque, left, and his father Javier who was born in Uruguay. Source: Adrian Arciuli
Javier says he always wanted Alex to play for the Socceroos.
“You can’t describe that feeling as parents we get knowing what they are achieving,” he said.
Eventful history
Australia and Uruguay have a long rivalry in football.
The two nations met in friendly matches in 1974 before the Socceroos first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Then 27 years later, Uruguay beat Australia in a two-legged playoff to reach the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Three years after that, the Socceroos got their revenge, advancing to the 2006 FIFA World Cup at Uruguay's expense. John Aloisi’s penalty ended years of pain for Australian football fans.
"When Aloisi scored the goal to send us through, I was standing in front of the TV and I got goosebumps," Alex said.
"Just talking about it now ... I cried when it happened.”
Javier Brosque and his fellow Uruguayans gather ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Source: Adrian Arciuli
Uruguay enters this year's FIFA World Cup in Russia as one of the leading contenders. The South American nation won the first edition of the tournament on home soil in 1930.
Their last success was in 1950.
Alex says he will supporting both the Socceroos and Uruguay this time around.
“Uruguay being the country of my parents and their parents, I support them when they're playing, regardless. Obviously, not against Australia, but against everyone else,” Alex said.
Uruguay kick off their campaign against Egypt on 15 June (10pm AEST) before taking on Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia to finish the group stage.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
