World Cup 2022 Socceroos result: Australia v Argentina knock out last 16, Mat Leckie goal
Mat Leckie’s stunning strike catapulted Australia into the World Cup playoffs, Australia’s newest hero relives the most important goal he’s ever scored.
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FULL TIME SCORES
AUSTRALIA 1 (Leckie 60) DENMARK 0
TUNISIA 1 (Khazri 58) FRANCE 0
* Australia qualifies along with France
Australia’s newest World Cup hero hopes his life-changing goal does what previous Socceroos giants did for him – and inspire a new generation of football fans.
Mat Leckie walked into the post-match media conference on Wednesday night, clutching his man-of-the-match award, and looked utterly exhausted.
The 31-year-old had emptied the tank completely in an extraordinary performance before being substituted in the dying minutes with the heaviest legs in all of Doha.
“We want to dream big and I think the key was, when we came to this tournament, we always said we wanted to get out of the group,” Leckie said.
“Now we’ve done that, but then Arnie obviously the first thing he said was ‘let’s go one more’.
“Once again, the most important thing is to get ourselves ready. Because we worked too hard tonight, I think most of the boys are exhausted, and that’s exactly what we needed to do to get a result today.”
Coach Graham Arnold described the players he wants in his team as being the ones you know “will die for the team and die for each other” – and in Leckie he’s found a true warrior who does not know when to quit.
“Mathew Leckie has been incredible. I can’t just single him out because they all have,” Arnold said.
“But you can see it in his eyes, he’s got this hunger and drive.”
Leckie was a man possessed against Denmark, covering the entire right side of the pitch as the Danes pushed their fullbacks high in search of a goal – before somehow finding the energy to burst out of Australia’s half to guide home a goal after a masterful weaving run.
In truth, Leckie had looked utterly exhausted even as the players walked into the sheds at halftime, but he found energy reserves to pull off the unbelievable.
Denmark’s strategy of sending their fullbacks forward in the hope of a breakthrough had left them at risk of being exposed on the turnover. All Australia needed was a pinpoint pass and a lung-busting run.
Riley McGree provided the pass, and Leckie went to work.
“And I had one more man to beat – first I went to cut inside, and he went that way, I just in that moment went left again and swung the left boot,” Leckie explained.
“And then I saw the ball was rolling in. My celebration …. you saw the emotion. I was just pounding my chest.
“Once the boys got together, the whole bench was there and I think I got slapped in the head 100 times.
“It’s moments like this that build the game and potentially give young kids inspiration to go on and want to be a footballer one day.
“Anything is possible if you give everything. That’s something I always strived to do when I was a young guy.”
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9.20AM IRVINE’S CANDID SLIP OF THE TONGUE
Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine revealed there’s plenty of pain that comes with the pleasure of representing Australia in a post-Cup interview with ABC sports presenter Tony Armstrong this morning.
Asked how he planned to enjoy the thrilling win over Denmark which guided Australia into the last 16 Irvine was perhaps just a little too candid.
“Umm at the moment there won’t be much enjoyment going on,” said Irvine.
“I’ll go straight down and start my recovery. Just freeze my balls off for a bit; full focus on the next one” said Irvine turning.
‘Every instinct is telling me to ask you what will happen in that ice bath’ quipped Armstrong, but I’m gonna let you get away with it.
"Freezing my ⚽⚽s off!"@jacksonirvine_ from the @Socceroos has a bit of a giggle with @Tonaaayy_ about the post-match ice bath... pic.twitter.com/9hJ9YvWddY
— News Breakfast (@BreakfastNews) November 30, 2022
7.37AM: ARNIE CALLS FOR DAY OFF TO CELEBRATE SOCCEROOS
Memo: Anthony Albanese. Don’t be a bum, and give the country what they want.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has put the hard word on Australia’s Prime Minister in the wake of Thursday morning’s historic victory over Denmark – and demanded a day off for the nation to celebrate.
Arnold was channelling the message of legendary former Prime Minister Bob Hawke – who famously declared “any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum” after Australia’s iconic victory in the America’s Cup in 1983.
Describing the euphoric scenes around Australia in the early hours of Thursday morning, from Federation Square in Melbourne to pubs and clubs around the country that extended their licensing hours to soak in the iconic moment, Arnold jokingly took Albanese to task.
And he did it on behalf of every bleary-eyed worker who is struggling through their day today.
“Do I need to ask Anthony Albanese again to give the people a day off to celebrate?” Arnold said.
“I think there’ll be some hangovers (around the country) and some joy in the Australian team.
“I’m just so proud of the boys, it’s remarkable.”
6.40AM: ‘TRIPLE XL TRACKSUITS’ – ARNOLD LASHES CRITICS AFTER WIN
By Dana Pendrick
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold conceded that Australia “may not be the best team” in the world, but said they had outperformed their rivals to take home a well-deserved win against Denmark.
He also fired back at his critics, describing them to 2GB’s Ben Fordham as people likely to wear “triple XL tracksuits and have never coached in their lives or been in the world cup in their lives”.
“It’s only the people that matter in my life (and) that’s my family,” he added.
6.05AM: SOCCEROOS READY FOR ANYONE, SAYS DUKE
Australia will now face the winners of Group C, which will be decided later Thursday morning (AEDT), with forward Mitchell Duke saying they fancied themselves against anyone.
Group C comprises Poland, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.
“Don’t write us off, there’s something really special building right now,” said Mitchell.
“But the job’s not done yet. We’re excited to make more history and go even further … The belief within our group is massive, I think we’ve shown that. We’ve just beaten Denmark, a world-class opponent.
“I could play another match right now with all the adrenaline. Bring on whoever. I feel like we could take on anyone right now.”
5.40AM: ARNOLD HAILS ‘REMARKABLE’ PERFORMANCE
Coach Graham Arnold called it “remarkable” after Australia reached the last 16 of the World Cup for only the second time with a 1-0 win over Denmark.
“I am just so proud of the players’ work ethic, their commitment, their fight,” said Arnold, who was assistant to Guus Hiddink for the run to the last 16 in 2006.
“We had some moments there (against Denmark) but defensively we were outstanding tonight.”
The 59-year-old, whose side were thumped 4-1 by France at the start of the tournament, added: “I am so proud and happy, this is what World Cups are for.
“I truly believe that the Socceroos are the team that unite the nation.”
5.35AM: COACH CAN’T EXPLAIN DENMARK’S FLOP
Denmark are 10th in the FIFA rankings and following their run to the last four at the Euros in the summer of 2021 had been touted by some as dark horses in Qatar, only to fall short in their do-or-die clash with Australia.
Coach Kasper Hjulmand was at a loss to explain how his team had exited the tournament with just a solitary point.
“It really irritates and frustrates me, and I am really sad,” he said.
Hjulmand added: “There is no doubt that we did not reach our level … it is my responsibility.
“There was too much emotion and too little quality. All my waking hours I tried to prepare as best I could.
“There was a lack of enthusiasm and coherence … where did that come from?”
4.30AM: ‘IT ALL HAPPENED SO FAST’ FOR LECKIE
Australia’s Mathew Leckie described his intense emotions after scoring in a 1-0 win over Denmark that took the Socceroos to the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.
Leckie struck on the hour mark with a twisty run and low finish to ensure Australia finished second in Group D behind world champions France and knocked out the fancied Danes.
“I think in those moments you don’t think too much, you don’t have time to think, you know it all happened so fast. It was a great ball and I had one more man to beat,” said Leckie of his goal.
“Low and hard, it’s difficult for a keeper to save and as I soon as I saw it was going in I was so excited and so happy.
“I think by the celebration you can see how much emotion there was. I’m just so proud you know, we’ve worked so hard … My first World Cup is probably one of the most important goals for me and for the team.”
FULL-TIME: AUS 1 DEN 0: SOCCEROOS WIN!!!
Australia is through to the knockout stages of the World Cup after a tense 1-0 win over Denmark. Mathew Leckie’s brilliant goal was enough for the Socceroos who withstood a desperate Danish side to advance out of their group for just the second time in their history.
88 MINS: AUS 1 DEN 0: SOUTTAR STRIKES AGAIN FOR SOCCEROOS
Harry Souttar take (another) bow. The big Socceroos defender has had another stormer for Australia, and comes up with an important block to deny a desperate Denmark. Meanwhile, goalscorer Mathew Leckie earns a well-earned rest as Graham Arnold brings on more fresh legs for Australia with Ajdin Hrustic. Will his goal be enough to seal a berth in the knockout stages for the Socceroos?
82 MINS: AUS 1 DEN 0 – ANOTHER SUBSTITUTE FOR SOCCEROOS
We’re inside the final 10 minutes and Australia is clinging on to a spot in the World Cup knockout stages. Coach Graham Arnold makes another change to freshen up his side, bringing Jamie Maclaren on for striker Mitch Duke. He’ll have three jobs: run, run, and run some more. Can the Socceroos hold on?
73 MINS: AUS 1 DEN 0 – SOCCEROOS SUB AS WRIGHT COMES ON
Denmark is `stepping up the pressure as you’d expect, but the Socceroos are holding on. And now Graham Arnold makes a change, with Bailey Wright coming on for Riley McGree, who played the crucial pass that led to Mathew Leckie’s goal.
59 MINS: AUS 1 DEN 0 – LECKIE BRILLIANCE IGNITES SOCCEROOS
GOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!!! What an incredible moment from Mathew Leckie. Just moments after Tunisia hit the lead against France, Mathew Leckie has stepped up big time for the Socceroos with a brilliant goal to give Australia a 1-0 lead. It was a classic counterattacking goal, Australia absorbing a Danish attack and then, through Riley McGree, letting Leckie free. The speedy attacker takes a couple of lovely touches and then finishes expertly on his left foot. Socceroos back on top!
57 MINS: AUS 0 DEN 0 – DRAMA FOR SOCCEROOS AS TUNISIA LEAD FRANCE
The Socceroos are holding on against Denmark but that might not be enough anymore after Tunisia took the lead against France. If the scores stay the same, Tunisia will qualify for the knockout stages ahead of Australia.
47 MINS: AUS 0 DEN 0 – SURPRISE SOCCEROOS SUBSTITUTE
Craig Goodwin has been something of the main man for Australia in the opening two matches, scoring the opener against France and (fortuitously) setting up Mitch Duke’s winner against Tunisia, but his time in this game is over. He’s been replaced by Keanu Baccus in something of a surprise – fatigue perhaps after two all-action performances? Meanwhile the Socceroos start the second half on the right foot, winning a corner and then Aziz Behich unleashes from long range only for his shot to be deflected wide.
46 MINS: AUS 0 DEN 0: ALL OR NOTHING AS SECOND HALF KICKS OFF
It’s all on the line at the Al Janoub Stadium as Group D goes down to the wire with the final 45 minutes of both clashes. With both Australia-Denmark and France-Tunisia locked at 0-0, it’s the Socceroos who currently stand to go through to the knockout stages of the World Cup … but plenty can happen between now and the final whistle. On a positive note for Graham Arnold, the Socceroos looked to be finally finding their feet towards the end of the first half after a sluggish opening against the Danes. They created a couple of half-opportunities on the break, and if the likes of Mat Leckie can find some more space — and better delivery — the Aussies might just be able to pinch a crucial goal.
HALF-TIME: AUS 0 DEN 0 – SOCCEROOS HANGING TOUGH V DENMARK
By Joe Barton at Al Janoub Stadium
Australia has survived its first 45-minute examination from the desperate Danes – and as it stands, the Socceroos are heading to the Round of 16.
At halftime Australia are locked at 0-0 against Denmark, a result which would be enough to deliver them a spot in the knockout games as Tunisia are also deadlocked against France in the other Group D clash.
The Socceroos have been under constant pressure, however, with Denmark sending bodies at Australia’s right side defence in search of a weakness in the recalled Milos Degenek.
But Degenek, with the help of Mat Leckie, held firm and Australia’s defence scrambled well enough to deny any clear-cut chances – though Mat Ryan did pull off one fine save during a frantic opening 10 minutes.
The Danes enjoyed 66 per cent possession in the opening stanza as they dictated terms, but without finding any luck on the scoreboard.
Graham Arnold’s men have just 45 minutes to hold on from here.
40 MINS: AUS 0 DEN 0 – DUKE TRIES HIS LUCK FOR ROOS
He was the hero against Tunisia, and Mitch Duke fancies his chances of some more glory as Australia finally musters an attacking effort after more Denmark pressure. Following some nice build-up play, Duke finds himself with the ball outside the area and unleashes a strike, but it’s an easy save for Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
37 MINS: AUS 0 DEN 0 – SOCCEROOS HOLDING ON … STILL
Forgive us if you’ve read this already, but Denmark remains well and truly in charge of this contest. Their pressure has been relentless, they just haven’t been able to turn it into a goal … yet. Australia is fighting hard, but they’ll need to find something to stay alive in this one.
25 MINS: AUS 0 DEN 0 – SOCCEROOS HOLDING ON … JUST
We’ve hit the 25-minute mark and while there’s no been no score there’s no doubt as to who’s been the better team thus far. Denmark haven’t created any clear-cut chances but it only seems a matter of time as they dominate possession and stretch the Australian defence. Thankfully the Socceroos have been able to absorb what they’ve thrown at them thus far. Meanwhile, it’s still 0-0 between France and Tunisia as well, which is another positive for Australia.
18 MINS: AUS 0 DEN 0
Still no score at the Al Janoub Stadium but some signs of life for the Socceroos. Mathew Leckie makes a nice run with the ball for Australia and gets into an dangerous area, but can’t find a teammate and the attack comes to nothing. Moments later and Mat Ryan manages to clear – just – from a dangerous Denmark raid.
10 MINS: HUGE SCARE FOR SOCCEROOS
2AM: AUSTRALIA V DENMARK KICKS OFF!
Here we go! National anthems are out of the way and it’s time for action at the Al Janoub Stadium.
Can the Socceroos get the result they need to qualify for the round of 16 for just the second time?
12.45AM: AUSTRALIA MAKE ONE CHANGE FOR CRUCIAL CLASH
Graham Arnold has made just the one change for Australia’s vital group stage finale – the all-important clash with Denmark, which will almost certainly decide who seals second-spot and a Round of 16 berth.
Arnold has again made a switch at right back, with Milos Degenek given the start for the third clash – after Nathaniel Atkinson and Fran Karacic were used against France and Tunisia.
It means that, again, attacking weapon Ajdin Hrustic will be used off the bench with Arnold showing faith in Riley McGree to start the fixture.
The likes of Craig Goodwin, Mat Leckie, Aaron Mooy and Jackson Irvine – who have all played big minutes through the first two games – will be called on to dig deep and take on the world No.10s.
A draw may yet be enough for Australia to progress, though that would require France to at least force a draw against Tunisia.
France, having already qualified for the next stage of the tournament, have made sweeping changes to their team to face Tunisia – with just defender Raphael Varane and midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni named to start.
Attacking superstars Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele have all been benched, as has captain Hugo Lloris.
11PM AGONISING ARNOLD TO LEAVE AUSSIE LINE-UP TO FINAL MINUTES
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold is agonising over his starting XI to take into their crunch clash with Denmark which will determine their World Cup fate.
Arnold says for the first time in his tenure as Australian coach he wasn’t able to lock down his starting line-up the night before the match — and will instead make a game-day call on its final makeup.
World Cup 2022 LIVE: Australia Socceroos v Denmark
AUSTRALIA V DENMARK STARTS AT 2AM AEDT THURSDAY DEC 1
Central to the decisions are the fitness of midfield key Ajdin Hrustic and right back Nathaniel Atkinson, as well as monitoring the energy levels of other players who have gone the distance in Australia’s opening two games of a condensed schedule.
Hrustic, now recovered from an ankle injury, came off the bench for a short stint in his World Cup debut against Tunisia and could be an option to start against Denmark, in a move that would likely force Riley McGree back to the bench.
Atkinson didn’t not feature in the win against Tunisia after suffering an ankle injury of his own during Australia’s heavy first-up defeat to France. His replacement, Fran Karacic, was solid in defence but turned over possession cheaply with wayward passes.
Arnold has stayed true to his first-choice team throughout the tournament and would be loath to make too many changes for the vital clash — but it is a decision which he’ll take right to the wire.
“Nathaniel, we will see how he is this afternoon. And Adjin, you saw that he came on the last 15, 20 minutes, so he’s in consideration,” Arnold said.
“But it will probably be the first time in the four years that I won’t name the starting line-up (the night before the match) because we need that extra bit of time to see how the boys pulled up.”
DENMARK WARNING FOR AUSTRALIA
Australia is playing a dangerous game if they let their mind slip into thinking a draw will be enough.
That’s the warning from Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand ahead of the crucial Group D showdown which will likely determine who progresses to the knockout stages alongside France.
Victory for either side will seal a spot in the Round of 16, while Australia will advance with a draw unless Tunisia upset France. But it’s the mindset of playing for a draw which Hjulmand believes could rattle Australia.
Australian coach Graham Arnold says he’s never coached for a draw in his life, and Hjulmand expects them to go on the attack.
“Australia knows that is also a dangerous attitude to a game because they don’t really know if they progress with a draw as well so I think they will come out very strong and they will try to have periods where they will put pressure on us as well,” Hjulmand said.
“I definitely expect them to also attack and run at us. Like all football games there will be times when we have to break down a very strong defensive unit, they have been very close in their organisation and that’s the toughest thing in football, to break down an organisation like that.
“I actually expect them to come out and it would be a surprise to me if that doesn’t happen, I expect them to run at us as well.
“Every time we walk across the line and start the game, it’s all about winning and that is the way we always go into a game so I don’t think it changes anything actually.
“We play a football match, It’s about winning and we will do our best to do that … it’s only the last 10 or 15 minutes really that could be a difference … we will play the same way.”
ARNOLD REVEALS ‘MASSIVE CONCERNS’ FOR SOCCEROOS
Graham Arnold has revealed his ‘massive concerns’ for the future of football in Australia, and the competitiveness of the Socceroos, while calling for a major overhaul of the country’s youth development systems.
Australia’s success in Qatar – where they broke a 12-year drought with their brilliant victory over Tunisia – is a credit to the tireless efforts of Arnold, his support staff and every player who featured throughout their arduous qualifying process.
But as Arnold says, it is simply the “icing on the cake” when it comes to football in Australia.
The real work happens in every tier below the Socceroos and Matildas, and this is where Arnold’s fears lie.
“The Socceroos are just the icing on the cake – and whatever that icing, whether it tastes good or bad, the most important thing is the ingredients,” Arnold said.
“The ingredients are junior development, junior national teams. If that’s not right, the icing will not taste very good.”
Arnold has not just steered Australia through some rocky waters over the past four and a half years to get them to this World Cup, he’s also taken on the role of head coach of the Olyroos – the nation’s under-23 side, which he guided to last year’s Tokyo Olympics and an unlikely win over Argentina.
Nothing has come easy, however.
Arnold was in Russia four years ago when Bert van Marwijk took the Socceroos to a group stage exit.
And what Arnold saw concerned him – an ageing squad, spearheaded by the 37-year-old Tim Cahill.
“I could see straight away that Cahill, (Mile) Jedinak, (Mark) Milligan, (Robbie) Kruse … (it was) an ageing squad,” Arnold said.
“I’d already taken the job, I needed to find players. And when I started looking, there was nothing coming through.
“When you’re ringing A-League coaches, and you’re talking about two players per club, I barely could put a squad together to go to Thailand, and even to Cambodia (for Olympic qualifiers). That’s not right.
“We need more kids given an opportunity in Australia. For me, there’s massive concerns for the future moving forward, unless it’s fixed.”
WHAT ARNIE WANTS TO ACHIEVE
Asked about his goals for this team, Arnold has repeatedly said he simply wants to put smiles on the faces of Australians. The fact that likely comes with victories, like against Tunisia, is simply more icing for Arnold’s Australian football cake.
But there’s more that can be born from this World Cup run: a legacy, like that which the Golden Generation’s 2006 delivered.
“To leave a legacy is huge. 2006, and what that generation did, all the kids that grew up … that’s these kids, this generation,” Arnold said, with 31-year-old Mat Leckie sitting alongside him.
“They were 10 years of age watching these guys do what they did in 2006. Those guys were their inspiration. When you sit around in the lunchroom now, this generation is talking about emulating the 2006 squad and achieving the same goals they saw when they were 10 years of age.
“It’s about putting the game on the map a bit more in Australia, but there’s so much more work to do and to look at.”
But to capitalise on the interest this World Cup has generated, money is important.
Saudi Arabia has poured in funds to build their football program, and subsequently earned direct qualification ahead of Australia – highlighting the progress of Asian nations, and what Australia needs to do to keep pace.
“Asia is growing so quickly,” Arnold says.
“People can sit back at home and their opinion is maybe Saudi is not that good, or Japan. Look at what they’ve done. Beaten Argentina. Beaten Germany. Asia is throwing a lot of money into football and we need to catch-up.”
SYDNEY PUB CHANGES NAME IN HONOUR OF SOCCEROOS SHOWDOWN
A Sydney pub has changed its name ahead of the Socceroos’ do-or-die third match in the 2022 World Cup.
The Socceroos will go up against Denmark at 2am on Thursday, with NSW and West Australian pubs given the all clear to extend opening hours for the match.
The Sackville Hotel in Rozelle has unveiled new gold-and-green signage featuring a name change to the “Sacky-roos” in honour of the national soccer team.
The Sackville Hotel in Rozelle has changed it’s name to “The Sacky-Roos†ahead of tonight’s do-or-did @Socceroos clash. Amazing support! #Socceroospic.twitter.com/gFxMKtWHYP
— Liam Tapper (@liamtapper) November 29, 2022
Pubs and clubs in NSW have been allowed to open up from midnight to 5am if they broadcast the match, while licensed venues in WA can apply for a “one-off extended trading permit” to show the game and trade until 30 minutes after it.
The match will decide whether Australia qualifies for the final 16 in the global tournament.
QUESTION FROM IRANIAN JOURNALIST THAT ‘RUINED’ ARNOLD’S DAY
“What me, worry?”
If Graham Arnold was nervous before the biggest football game in his coaching career, he sure wasn’t showing it.
The Socceroos boss fronted the media the day before Australia’s game against Denmark in the final group game in Qatar.
For Australia, the equation is fairly simple – win and it’s guaranteed a spot in the final 16 for the first time since 2006.
A draw would also be enough as long as world champions France don’t lose to Tunisia. A loss and the Qatar journey is over.
Not that any of that was worrying Arnold.
He was more concerned about the worst moment in his football career being brought up.
Arnold was asked by an Iranian reporter if a result against Denmark – being played on November 30 – could make up for Australia’s heartbreaking loss to Iran on November 29, 1997.
For those readers lucky enough to not know what happened, the Socceroos led 2-0 at the MCG before two late Iran goals denied Australia a spot in the 1998 World Cup on away goals.
It was a moment that led to the late Johnny Warren to have tears in his eyes and struggle to talk on SBS straight after the game.
Arnold – at the tailend of his playing career – was a late substitute in that game.
“Thanks for ruining my day,” Arnold joked.
“That’s probably one of the worst moments in my football life, thank you. (But) we play on the 30th, so the 29th is a training day.”
The Socceroos are hoping to emulate the achievements of the 2006 squad, which made the second round after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Croatia.
Arnold was assistant coach back in 2006 under Dutch mastermind Guus Hiddink.
He was asked what he learnt from Hiddink in his preparations for that Croatia game that he had passed on to the players in the past three days.
“Should I answer that Schwarz?” Arnold joked to 2006 Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who was at the press conference covering the World Cup for Optus Sports.
“One thing was we went out for a win, and that’s what we’re gonna do,” Arnold said. “I’ve never coached to play for a draw, it’s all about winning.
“When we talk about 06 and now, we want to go for it. In 06 we got one win (against Japan) and one draw (against Croatia) – our ambition is to get two wins and have the most wins at a World Cup.
“It’s about going out and winning the game.”
As for nerves before the Denmark game, Arnold was having none of it.
“Excitement,” he said when asked how he was feeling.
“It’s not often you get to go to a World Cup, I’ve been saying to these boys to enjoy the journey and enjoy the ride.
“I feel really relaxed and ready”
He was even happy to explain what needs to happen for football in Australia to truly grow.
“Socceroos is just the icing on the cake,” Arnold said.
“Whether that icing tastes good or bad, the most important thing is the ingredients. And the ingredients are junior development and junior national teams.
And if that’s not right, the icing will not taste very good.”
When asked by a British reporter if advancing from the group could mean young Australians wanted to be the next Mitchell Duke or Mathew Leckie rather than Shane Warne or Brad Fittler, he had a simple response.
“That’s the whole purpose,” he said. “My goal is to put a smile on the faces of Australians.
“If you’re not Australian and you don’t know, football in Australia is probably the fourth or fifth main sport.
“After AFL, rugby league, rugby union, cricket – then it’s football, they call it soccer. To leave a legacy is huge.”
Over the 30-minute press conference, Arnold – a long time servant of Australian football – spoke with passion about the sport.
As he said after the Tunisia win, it’s about putting smiles on the faces of Australians – either in Qatar or watching back home.
But he’s not content with doing it just once.
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