Arnold says Socceroos can unite nation and boost game’s profile
Australia coach Graham Arnold believes his side can unite the country in a way other sports cannot by reaching the World Cup last 16.
The Socceroos, with six players from Scottish clubs in their ranks can secure a place in the knockout stage at Qatar 2022 with victory over Denmark in theirfinalgroupdgametoday. Barringasurprisewinfortunisia over reigning champions France, a draw would suffice.
Saturday’s 1-0 win over Tunisia generated huge excitement and Arnold feels there is now a big opportunity for football Down Under. The Australian footballing landscape is dominated by Aussie Rules and the two rugby codes but, while those sports are strong in certain parts of the country, they are weaker in others.
Arnoldsaid:“there’sonefootball team, sporting team, that unites the nation and it’s the Socceroos. When you look at the celebrations in Federation Squaredowninmelbourneand I’vehadafewmatessendvideos of how crazy the place is going, it just shows you that football is alive and well in Australia. Putting smiles on Australian faces
once is not enough, let’s do it somemoretimes.it’saboutputting the game on the map a bit more in Australia.”
Arnold, however, recognises
the task is far from straightforward. Denmark, despite failing to win either of their opening two games, can also still qualify. Arnold added: “They’re a
strong team. They are ranked number10intheworldforareason. They have been a top team throughout Europe for a long, long time.”
France, with six points, have already qualified from the group. Australia are second on three points, with Tunisia and Denmark having one each.