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.
Lincoln9
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the comments guys, I don't believe that football is in a bad state domestically. To me, there's not much doubt that season 10-11 has been somewhat tumultuous, albeit due to some external factors like the WC bid focus, then natural disasters which obviously can't be planned for. I've got complete faith in the game's ability to produce continued grow. Once the FFA's focus returns to the A-League, things should recover. And bring on the feast of football in 2011!
asanchez
Roar Guru
Great article Lincoln9, I agree Moonface, I think next season crowds will be on the improve. Or at least they should be with FFA actually spending some money and effort into the league. I think GC has to go, not viable, even with Palmer there who could wake up one morning and walk away. 10 teams, 5 games p/w, no byes, should be the way to go. If they get the money and the model right up in Townsville, there's no reason they couldn't average 6-7000 people a game like in their first year. By also taking GC out of the league, I think you'll find the crowd averages stack up a lot better. We also need a good next season to have some bargaining power for the next TV rights, coz if not, it's gonna be a hard slog getting some good coin! Having said that, by the end of this season we will have prob 1.5m people through the gates this season. Highest ever!! Onwards and upwards lads!!
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Nice work, Lincoln9 - a positive, upbeat and realistic overview of how things are progressing for Australian football, whilst also admitting there's work to be done. 2011 will be another big year for Australian football - starting with next week's ACL Group matches for Sydney FC & MVFC, then 3 x FIFA WCs (pretty sure SBS TV is covering all the Aussie matches LIVE - so there won't be much sleep for the True Believers!), then the inaugural Mirabella Cup for Vic football teams and, before we know, the 2011/12 HAL season returns.
Moonface
Roar Guru
Domestic soccer isn't that badly off. Given all the torrential rain flooding and cyclones this summer and the Roar's home ground under 10 feet of water, the attendances aren't that bad and very comparable to last season. The WC bid loss was a blow, but FFA have taken over the controls of Australian football again and don't have to spend any more money on that any more. All things being equal and with some better weather and more focus on football and not the other events, the A-League will bounce back all right. Less than 4K people watched Australia in a World Cup Cricket match - is that the end of Australian cricket or the Cricket World Cup? Where are the doom sayers?