Australia’s bold plan to achieve global recognition and become an instant footballing powerhouse came to a shuddering halt on December 2, 2010. Less than a decade after the sport reached its lowest ebb domestically, winning hosting rights to the 2022 World Cup would have completed the ambitious transformation.
Alas it was not to be, with Qatar being awarded the showpiece event. The relative merits, or lack of, regarding Qatar’s bid have been discussed in considerable depth throughout the media, and this piece does not aim to rehash this argument.
But with the domestic A-League struggling through a difficult season, this blow meant the naysayers were ready to write off football completely.
If there is one thing about wider Australian culture that should never be forgotten, it is that the nation revels in being the underdog and should never be underestimated.
And this has proven to be the case again through two positive and influential moments. Since the disappointment of the World Cup failure, Australia has been announced as host of the 2015 Asian Cup.
Admittedly the nation was the only bidder, but it represents a wonderful example of opportunism in seeking the tournament and provides a chance to acquire international recognition.
There is surely no doubt this event will be a success with Australia’s events hosting record, and it will be an opportunity to put Australia at the forefront of Asian football.
That is, if Australia hasn’t done so already. For all the off-field politics and decision-making, nations are judged by the performances of their national team.
Australia’s run at the recent Asian Cup, where they reached the final before suffering a heartbreaking extra-time loss to regional powerhouse Japan is further proof that they are a nation to be reckoned with.
In just their second attempt at the showpiece event, Australia drew over 90 minutes with the region’s two strongest teams, a hallmark of a nation standing equal with the best. The traditional forces of Asia have been shaken up, and Australia have announced themselves as a strong on-field force.
These events of Asia should not be treated as consolation prizes. While the overall standard of play may be lower in Asia than some of the world’s other confederations, and lacking a national team that can legitimately win a World Cup, Asian football still wields considerable influence.
Roughly 60% of the world’s population live in Asia, giving Australia the chance to dominate a significant and football-loving market. Furthermore, Mohammed bin Hammam, the mastermind behind the Qatari World Cup bid, has serious intentions of becoming the next FIFA president.
Taking a less cynical view of FIFA politics, there is better way to capitalise on Asia controlling the world’s football than to become one of the dominant forces in the region.
To have global influence, one must firmly entrench themselves on the map. The dream was for instant success, one which would see any other domestic problems fade into obscurity. The reality might be different, some more graft may be required in Asia before the world will be conquered.
The last month has represented a giant leap forward in Australia’s initiation to Asia with success both on and off-field. The future, punctuated by 2015, is filled with opportunities for the sport to grow. The chances are there, and quite simply, they must be taken.
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