Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos’ night of glory — in their own words

IT’S almost impossible to sum up how a night like Saturday feels — so here’s how every Socceroo feels, with the best of their social media.

David Davutovic and Tom Smithies

2 min read

February 1, 2015 - 8:59PM

Australian Socceroos Public Reception

IT’S almost impossible to sum up how a night like Saturday’s victory feels — so we got the Socceroos to describe the feelings and reaction of their Asian Cup glory in their own words.

1. MAT RYAN

“Everyone put their personal ambitions behind and put the team first. We scrambled when we needed to and we were organised when we needed to be.’’

Australia we the @Socceroos present to you! ðŸ† pic.twitter.com/4re6jjVzKl
â€” Maty Ryan (@MatyRyan) January 31, 2015

2. IVAN FRANJIC

“From the start we expected to win, we’ve got the belief and we showed that we can play great football but scrap it when we need to.’’

3. JASON DAVIDSON

“We deserved the win. In extra time we were all standing up in the huddle, they were all on the floor, Ange said look over there, look how much it’s taken its toll.’’

ðŸ†âš½ï¸ðŸ†âš½ï¸ðŸ†âš½ï¸ðŸ† pic.twitter.com/njLwaEE6d6
â€” Jason Davidson (@jasondavidson29) February 1, 2015

4. TIM CAHILL

“This is one of the biggest moments in sport because this was so difficult to win, a tournament we were never supposed to win.”

SHATTERED KRUSE FACING LONG LAY-OFF

LUONGO GRABS HIS CHANCE TO SHINE

THE MOMENT ANGE INSPIRED HIS TROOPS

A GOLDEN MOMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL

SUPER SUBS EXCEL FOR SOCCEROOS

5. MARK MILLIGAN

“Throughout the tournament, boys have stepped up in whatever positions, we have a tight-knit group. We fought for each other like you do your family.”

6. MATTHEW SPIRANOVIC

“The boss gave us some great words of motivation in the huddle and we never doubted it for a second. They didn’t deserve the equaliser, it was frustrating but I knew we could come home strong.”

7. MATHEW LECKIE

“When the 90 minutes were up and we got in the huddle, Ange just said that winning in extra time will just make the story even better.’’

9. TOMI JURIC

“I’m sure there are no doubters now as there was before and during the tournament. We’re ecstatic. It’s by far one of my best moments.’’

10. ROBBIE KRUSE

“I feel for Krusey and hope he’s not out for too long. He’s finally got games under his belt and I’m sure he would’ve gone back and killed it in the Bundesliga.’’ - Matt McKay

14. JAMES TROISI

“It’s the best goal of my career and this will definitely go down in history. It’s massive for Australian football and a night that will never be forgotten.’’

Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak celebrates with fans the morning after.

15. MILE JEDINAK

“Being in Australia is special, having everyone there — thank you for the support, without you we wouldn’t have got it done.’’

17. MATT McKAY

“We always make it interesting for ourselves, but everyone could see during the tournament that we tried to play the right way. Ange has got a side full of belief, every player played a part.’’

20. TRENT SAINSBURY

“We’re champions of Asia and to do it on home soil will give the game a massive lift. When we conceded I thought this is Central Coast against Brisbane (2011 A-League grand final) all over again.”

Theres only a few moments in a footballers career when u get the chance to achieve something that's truly magical...it's been emotional â¤ï¸ï¸ðŸ‘
â€” Trent Sainsbury (@Tsainsbury92) January 31, 2015

21. MASSIMO LUONGO

“The Asian Cup brought out part of my game that maybe was hiding a little bit, especially at international level. If anything, it’s shown everyone what type of player I am.”