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FFA boss David Gallop has rated the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign a “win”.
The Socceroos ended the tournament without a single point from their three group games after going down 3-0 to reigning world champions Spain in Curitiba early on Tuesday morning (AEST).
But Gallop said he was encouraged by their performances in Brazil under coach Ange Postecoglou, who has been at the helm barely eight months.
“Today was a tough day at the office, but by and large there’s been a lot of positives to come out of this tournament,” the Football Federation Australia chief told Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday.
“We made a big change last November, to get in a new coach and start the regeneration of the team.
“There’s always been an eye on the future and I think having the guys together for an intense period like this, of weeks against high quality opposition, it can only be a good thing for the future.
“I think it’s been a win.”
Gallop said with a number of young players now blooded and a handful of others – including Robbie Kruse, Rhys Williams and Curtis Good – to return from injury, the outlook was positive ahead of next year’s Asian Cup and qualification for the 2018 World Cup.
“They’re going to be at the height of their powers next time there’s a World Cup,” he said.
“And we’ve also got a guy up the front who couldn’t play today, but he sort of set the tournament alight with that goal against Holland in Tim Cahill.
“I reckon you’ll be seeing more of him as well.”
Gallop, attending his first World Cup as FFA CEO, said he expects superstar Cahill to be in the mix for the Asian Cup, which Australia will host next January.
“I don’t think he’s got any retirement plans,” he added.
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