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World reacts as Socceroos’ World Cup campaign comes to an end

It was heartbreak for Australia after their historic World Cup campaign came to an end on Sunday morning.

James McKern
4 min read
December 4, 2022 - 9:08AM
The run is over. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
The run is over. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Australia have shot themselves in the foot on the biggest stage of all against Argentina at the FIFA World Cup.

Rated as a huge outsider heading into the contest, the Socceroos more than held their own against the third ranked nation in the world, knocked out 2-1.

The Socceroos’ historic run into the round of 16 came to an end but not without an extraordinary fight in the dying stages of their clash.

A defiant fightback gave hope to a nation, ultimately the loss equals Australia’s best World Cup loss. Matching the efforts from 2006 World Cup.

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SBS commentator Luke Wilkshire was full of praise for the Aussies and the display they put forth throughout the World Cup: “They’ve done the nation proud. Proud to be an Australian and represented in the World Cup, on the biggest stage in football, in sport, and done themselves and the nation proud.”

Australian football legend Mark Bosnich said the fightback from the Socceroos was one of the best he’s ever seen.

“That’s one of the most courageous Socceroos performances I’ve witnessed in my time,” Bosnich said on SBS’ post-game coverage.

“It was outstanding. They not only stayed in the fight but put Argentina under so much pressure.”

Craig Foster echoed Bosnich’s sentinment and believes the groundwork has been laid for even better outcomes in the future.

“In the end, it’s a standing ovation to these boys. To everyone there, this has been an outstanding tournament. In almost every respect. There’s so much for us to learn from this.

“The greatest compliments possible to everyone on that bench, everyone on the field, this entire group, what you have done, you have pushed the potential world champions here and one of the greatest players in the world, you have pushed them to the limit. And that’s what we expect from you. That’s what we expect from Australia.”

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold was proud of what his squad had produced and hoped they had earnt the respect of Aussie fans watching on.

“I have to be very proud of the players. You know, we played against the number three in the world. And the first goal from Messi was a quality goal. The mistake cost us,” Arnold said.

“I just hope that everyone back in Australia really respects what we’ve done and are proud of us as well. We took it to them. I felt that we finished off well.

“We had a great chance at the end there to equalise. I’ve got to be very, very proud of the boys. Just so grateful at the effort they’ve put in for me.”

AZIZ BEHICH LOSES HIS COOL

The Socceroos fought valiantly on defence throughout the opening half as they kept Argentina at bay, but one mistake cost them dearly.

Aziz Behich tried imposing his will on megastar Lionel Messi as the two men tangled over the touchline.

Behich stared Messi down as they were separated but the Aussie failed to let go of his emotions and they got the better of him only seconds later.

After the ball was thrown back in, Behich bowled into the back of Papu Gomez giving away the silliest of free kicks in a dangerous position.

Messi made no mistake after getting the ball back and slotted the opening goal into the back of the net with a masterful touch among a sea of Socceroos players.

Messi magic. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Messi magic. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

MAT RYAN’S ‘ABSOLUTE BRAIN FADE’

In the 57th minute of the second half however it was Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan who produced the biggest brain fade and gifted Argentina their second goal.

The ball was passed back to Ryan who for reasons unknown opted to keep the ball on the ground instead of launching it over halfway.

Rodrigo De Paul rushed to apply pressure to Ryan who tried to dance around the Argentinian star, but his first touch was a tad heavy and from his blindside Julian Alvarez came rushing in.

Alvarez stole the ball away from Ryan before slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Fans watching on couldn’t believe what they’d just seen unfold with many dumbfounded Ryan didn’t launch the ball out of the defensive half straight away.

“He’ll want the turf to open up and swallow him. Rock solid before that absolute brain fade,” David Basheer said on SBS’ coverage.

The BBC however saw a golden opportunity to deliver a cheeky sledge on social media: “Dear Julian Alvarez, Merry Christmas. Love, Australia x.”

CRAIG GOODWIN DOES IT AGAIN

It looked to be all but over for the Socceroos when out of nowhere Craig Goodwin found the back of the net.

A cross into the box was cleared by Argentina but landed at the feet of Goodwin who stunned the world against France when he produced a blistering goal.

On Sunday his efforts were even better albeit extremely lucky.

Goodwin set up his shot from well outside the box and unleashed every ounce of power he had in him.

His shot looked to be headed nowhere near the goals but slammed into Enzo Fernandez and the deflection shot across goal and into the back of the net as keeper Emiliano Martínez could do nothing but watch on.

Unfortunately for Goodwin the goal was taken off him and officially ruled as an own goal against Fernandez.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/world-cup/world-reacts-as-socceroos-world-cup-campaign-comes-to-an-end/news-story/4aa86cac9d01b289c3c445228a5ecfe8