The Socceroos have delivered one of many biggest moments in Australian sport with a historic win over Denmark on Thursday morning.
Australia moved by means of to the Spherical of 16 in thrilling style after a rollercoaster 1-0 victory on the Al Janoub Stadium. A elegant objective from Mathew Leckie within the sixtieth minute modified the whole lot — and it has the potential to alter Australian soccer.
The nation is bursting with delight and admiration for coach Graham Arnold’s crew — and their combating, underdog spirit.
What a distinction per week makes. The Socceroos — and significantly Arnold — have been closely criticised for failing to point out braveness of their humbling loss to France within the match opener.
It sparked accusations the Socceroos have been “timid”. Instantly they seem like the bravest athletes Australia has.
Led by central defender Harry Souttar, Australia defended for its life to maneuver by means of to the knockout stage for simply the second time on the World Cup.
It’s a outcome virtually no person noticed coming.
Australia had not made it out of the group levels for the reason that golden era of Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill in 2006.
Now Graham Arnold’s males have accomplished the identical, with out the bells and whistles. They’ve gone even higher, in reality, with six factors from their two victories the very best group stage outcome Australia has ever had.
It is usually the primary time Australia has ever received back-to-back matches on the World Cup.
Even earlier than arriving in Qatar, Arnold’s males have been largely written off. Advised they have been the “weakest” squad Australia has had for many years.
It’s what makes Arnold’s achievement so particular and so Australian.
Emotional phrases from Milos Degenek at full time confirmed precisely that.
“Each ball is just like the final ball, you defend in your life,” he mentioned.
“It’s like making an attempt to dam bullets which can be going to hit your loved ones. That’s what we’re doing. We’re blocking, throwing our bodies at it.”
Graham Arnold says ‘we’ve achieved nothing’
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has revealed the reward he’ll enable his gamers for Australia’s finest outcome at a World Cup, and it’s not a lot.
After England beat Wales 3-0 to high Group B, supervisor Gareth Southgate mentioned he’ll enable his gamers a milkshake as a deal with.
However Arnold was having none of it.
When requested what he’d enable his gamers, he held up a bottle of water.
“Bottle of water,” he joked.
“We’re in a incredible facility – Aspire – the place we will’t get out anyway.”
After the Tunisia win, Arnold bought the gamers in a circle and advised them they’d achieved nothing and there was nonetheless another recreation.
Unsurprisingly the message was precisely the identical earlier than a possible assembly with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
“I mentioned precisely the identical, as a result of I really imagine it,” he mentioned.
Arnold instructed Japan and Saudi Arabia over-celebrating after upset wins towards Germany and Argentina respectively might have been why they misplaced their subsequent recreation.
“You take a look at Japan, you take a look at Saudi and take a look at underdogs. They obtain one thing and get an awesome outcome, they’re celebrating they usually’re very emotional,” he mentioned.
“And once more I hate saying this, however they go on social media till 4-5 within the morning, studying all these feedback and pats on the again.
“I’ve been round lengthy sufficient, an important factor is restoration, (good) sleep and ensuring you’re prepared for the following recreation.”
‘I didn’t suppose this was potential’
Socceroos, you’ve accomplished us proud.
“CAN YOU BELIEVE IT AUSTRALIA?!? CAN YOU ACTUALLY BELIEVE IT,” Australian soccer commentator Lucy Zelic posted on Twitter.
“What a REMARKABLE second! We’re off to the spherical of 16! This group did it the exhausting means and we went to this World Cup with mere hope in our hearts however they’ve accomplished it.
“Bravo @Socceroos – we’re so pleased with you.”
Seven Information sport reporter Lucas Rinaldo additionally instructed the efficiency typified Australian coronary heart.
“For Johnny (Warren). For Les (Murray). We joked about ‘Aussie DNA’ – its actual and it defies description. The unattainable is feasible – the improbables do it once more,” he write on Twitter.
Journalist Angus Livingston wrote: “Denmark had gamers who play for Manchester United, Barcelona, AC Milan, Leeds, Tottenham, Sevilla…. however ZERO A-League gamers”.
Stars from throughout all walks of life awoke early to look at and have been equally in awe of the efficiency.
Andy Lee wrote on Twitter: You bloody ripper!!! Epic @Socceroos. Everybody, take the remainder of the week off. Besides the crew… you retain working”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stopped wanting asserting a nationwide public vacation. “Magnificent win by the Socceroos,” he mentioned.
AFL nice Brendan Fevola wrote: Let’s gooooooooo @Socceroos. Aussie Aussie Aussie”.
Sport broadcaster Andy Maher mentioned he was in tears.
“Monumental. Properly accomplished @Socceroos. Credit score to Arnie. Australia’s wall (Harry Soutarr) is larger than China’s. And the place can we put the Matt Leckie statue? Tears of pleasure,” he mentioned.
Socceroos nice Rob Cornthwaite posted: Completely unbelievable! How f***ing good are these boys @Socceroos.
“I by no means felt like Denmark have been a real objective risk. Lads defended the field with their lives.
“I didn’t suppose this was potential just a few months in the past. Arnie and the boys excellent.”
Socceroos nice Robbie Slater additionally posted: Unbelievable! Unbelievable! Wow. Who would’ve believed it. Properly clearly they did.”
Former Socceroo Clint Bolton referred to as it a “heroic efficiency”.
Belgian tennis legend Kim Clijsters was additionally cheering on her adopted second-home.
“Aussies, Congrats! Nerve wracking previous few minutes however what a tremendous effort by the Socceroos,” she posted.
SBS soccer reporter Adrian Arculi referred to as it “the final word underdog story”.
“The historical past makers,” he wrote on Twitter.
“One of many greatest moments in australian sporting historical past. The last word underdog story.”
It doesn’t get extra Australian than that.
You may see the complete record of outcomes and the complete group standings right here.
