Ever since 1950, a Brazil World Cup was Les Murray's dream. He was a young child back then, living on the outskirts of Budapest and still named Laszlo Urge, but the fascination when hearing of 200,000 people crammed into the Maracana Stadium in Rio, the stories of goal scorer Ademir and the fanfare that captivated Hungary half a world away, set the tone for the rest of his life. It's fitting, then, that the 2014 World Cup in Rio will be the commentator's last.

After 34 years behind the microphone at SBS, Murray will retire from full-time commentary and punditry this year. The upcoming World Cup will be his last major tournament. Ever since calling the 1980 National Soccer League grand final for SBS, Murray has been the face of football in Australia. Whether presenting shows; World Soccer, On The Ball, SBS World Sport or fighting for the promotion of the game, his distinct accent and insight into foreign football was synonymous with the game in Australia.

Driving force: Les Murray reflects on his years as a commentator. Credit:James Alcock

But the time has come for "Mr Football", as he's affectionately known, to pass the microphone down. As he reflects on his childhood, there couldn't be a better moment to do so.

"From the time I first read about Brazil and Brazilian football in the 1950 World Cup, which was held there, one of my dreams was to see a World Cup in Brazil so this is the climactic World Cup for me," Murray said. "It's just a fascinating country in love with football, a perfect place for the World Cup."