Jubilant fans across Australia bask in Socceroos’ Asian Cup glory
IT was the kind of rousing reception normally unseen in Australia until later in the calendar year. For soccer chiefs it was as much a sign that the world game was now as deeply entrenched in Australia as AFL footy.
Asian Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Asian Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
IT was the kind of rousing reception normally unseen in Australia until later in the calendar year.
A rollicking after-party for the latest team at the top.
But today’s celebration wasn’t just about the Socceroo’s winning the Asian Cup.
For soccer chiefs it was as much a sign that the world game was now as deeply entrenched in Australia as AFL footy.
For the first time an entire nation of soccer nuts had lifted from their seats in the nailbiting moments of extra-time.
————————————————————————————————————————
VIDEO: Key moments in stunning triumph
MATCH REPORT: Australia crowned champions of Asia
PIC SPECIAL: celebrate the Socceroos’ classic win
ANALYSIS: Young Roos show courage on biggest stage
PLAYER RATINGS: who starred, who struggled?
ASIAN CUP MATCH CENTRE: stats, line-ups, play-by-play, video.
ANGE: I expected drama, but never lost faith.
REACTION: Hear from all the key player
————————————————————————————————————————
The triumphant Socceroos squad, including Saturday night’s goal scorers Massimo Luongo and James Troisi joined coach Ange Postecoglou for a reception with hundreds of fans at Sydney’s Pitt St mall.
“It’s a great for the code and a great for the country,’’ Postecoglou said of the win.
“I’m hoping we just get all of Australia behind this national team.
“They’ve showed you what a beautiful game it is and I’m sure a lot more people will follow the Socceroos from now on. Those kids playing in in the suburbs now have more heroes to look up to.’’
Standing on the sidelines, outgoing Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy said it was a moment he had long envisioned.
“My objective always was to make football - soccer - a mainstream sport in Australia and we have now achieved that,” Lowy said.
“Now we have to go deeper and deeper into the Aussie sporting psyche.’’
The billionaire businessman, who led Australia’s failed World Cup campaign in 2012, said there was no more exciting game in Australia.
“Nothing can give you excitement like that, no other sport can give it to you. You dying one minute and you’re alive the next.’’
FFA chief David Gallop said the win was priceless for soccer’s expanding footprint in suburban Australia.
“We will see so many kids wanting to play football. We will see commercial returns and we will see young careers blossom. These young guys will be at the peak of their powers for the next few years as we prepare to go to another World Cup in in Russia in 2018.’’
Devoted fan Kerry Sweetnam was among the supporters, driving with her daughter for more than two hours to celebrate with the squad.
“Soccer is absolutely here to stay,” she said. “It brings the community and cultures together like no other sport can.”
@aaronlangmaid
Originally published as Jubilant fans across Australia bask in Socceroos’ Asian Cup glory
Fowler keen to clear the air on Paris flop
Accusations of “pampering” were thrown at the Matildas following their disappointing exit at the Paris Olympic Games.
Huge concerns for new AFC Women’s Champions League
It hasn’t kicked off yet but FIFPRO Asia have serious concerns about the financial strain the AFC Women’s Champions League will have on clubs, athletes’ welfare and disruptions to domestic competitions.