Socceroos fan holds up sign demanding a public holiday after historic win over Denmark

An elated Socceroos fan’s hilarious sign has perfectly captured the national mood today after our historic win over Denmark.

Australia's forward Mathew Leckie (C) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between Australia and Denmark. Picture: Chandan Khanna/AFP

The nation is on a high after last night’s historic win over Denmark – and now, a fan has perfectly captured what we’re all thinking.

A goal from Mathew Leckie in the 60th minute was enough to clinch a 1-0 victory, and secure our place in the Round of 16.

That’s a feat we haven’t pulled off since 2006, when the Roos achieved a draw against Croatia in the group stage.

And as Socceroos fans erupted in Qatar’s Al Janoub Stadium, one held aloft a plain white sign with one simple, completely reasonable demand: “Give us a public holiday”.

2023 Australian of the Year Mathew Leckie. Picture: Chandan Khanna/AFP

The demand for a public holiday is building on Twitter, with one fan issuing a direct plea to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: “Can Anthony Albanese give us a public holiday on Monday please?”

Meanwhile, others are convinced we should all get today off.

“Good morning Mr. Prime Minister, surely the nation deserves a national public holiday tomorrow. We want to support the Socceroos without worrying about work. Follow in the footsteps of Mr. Hawke and give Australians what they deserve. #AUSvDEN #FIFAWorldCup” another posted.

Fair call. Picture: Twitter/@FOXSoccer

It might sound unlikely, but Saudi Arabia’s King Salman granted his citizens a public holiday after the national team’s shock 2-1 upset over Lionel Messi’s Argentina last month.

Before that game, Saudi Arabia had won only three World Cup matches in its history – a track record that exactly mirrors Australia’s own World Cup fortunes.

And there’s also an Australian precedent, with Labor legend Bob Hawke – a man Mr Albanese cites as a personal hero – famously announcing a national holiday after our 1983 America’s Cup victory, and bluntly declaring that: “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum”.

Magnificent win by the @Socceroos#woohoo

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 30, 2022

We already know Albo is a bit of a soccer fan, with the PM taking to Twitter to cheer on the Socceroos throughout their World Cup campaign.

And the demand is definitely there, with Australians from all walks of life celebrating one of the biggest moments in our sporting history – a result almost nobody saw coming, and which has seen us emerge as a “underdog” team the rest of the world is starting to get behind.

Australia is great. Tough not to root for them. Their traveling fans are always at or near the top

— TAM8899 (@TAM88991) November 30, 2022

However, we weren’t granted a day off after last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Tunisia last Saturday night, despite former Socceroos skipper and SBS commentator Craig Foster’s on-air plea to the PM.

Hawkie got it.

Over to you Albo. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“Someone needs to call Albo about a public holiday,” Fozz said.

“Saudi Arabia have done it so why not the Socceroos?”

So come on, Albo.

The (soccer) ball’s in your court.