The year was 2007, and it was Graham Arnold’s first tournament in charge of the Socceroos.
They didn’t live up to the expectations of many as they went out in the first knockout round to Japan on penalties. Heartbreak. After qualifying for a World Cup for the first time in 32 years, this Golden Generation returned home with nothing to show.
Fast forward 12 years and Arnold is back in charge of the green and gold. Although this time, he has three A-League premierships, two A-League Championships and an FFA Cup under his belt. He finally got his second chance.
The chances of success for Australia at this year’s Asian Cup were slimmed after a number of key players all picked up injuries. Aaron Mooy, Mathew Leckie, Daniel Arzani and Martin Boyle were all ruled out before the tournament even started. Add that to the fact that Arnold had failed with the Golden Generation and the pressure was on.
The first game of the tournament ended in disappointment, as Jordan claimed all three points over the Socceroos with a 1-0 win. The pressure was starting to mount on Arnold. With people starting to question his ability and if he could defend the title. If he couldn’t get it done with our best ever crop of players, how was he supposed to do it now?
Less than convincing but much needed wins over Palestine and Syria started to get the title defence back on track. A 3-0 win over Palestine with the goals coming from Jamie Maclaren, Awer Mabil and Apostolos Giannou, before a drama-filled game against Syria – with Tom Rogic scoring the winner in additional time to make it 3-2. The Socceroos were through to the next round.
With the injuries starting to pile up, a number of players have stepped up in this tournament such as Perth Glory super star Chris Ikonomidis, pacey winger Mabil and Sydney FC veteran Rhyan Grant.
The team has been lacking goals for some time now with Cahill always being relied on, players such as Mabil, Maclaren and Giannou finding the back of the net must surely bring relief to the fans watching back home in Australia.
The next challenge for the Socceroos is Uzbekistan, who they will play in the Round of 16 – an opponent not to be underestimated.
While Australia have managed to avoid powerhouses such as Japan and Iran by finishing second in their group, the pressure will be starting to mount on Arnold. With the potential of tricky opposition ahead in the later stages of the tournament and a lot of injuries to the squad, can Arnold finally get it done with the Socceroos?
Andre Leslie
Roar Guru
Looking forward to the match.. Fans' commitment tested once again with the middle of the night kick off. #SocceroosLife
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Australia with the current line ups I would rate about a 10% chance of winning the whole thing. I think Arnold can improve by 5% by dumping Degenek and 2% each by dumping Matt Ryan and McLaren.
EJ
Roar Pro
I agree, if we aren’t at our best we could go out straight away v Uzbekistan
That A-League Fan
Roar Guru
We need to significantly improve if we can consider us an Asian powerhouse. Against Syria, Palestine and Jordan we were not at our best. We were fortunate to come away with a win against Syria, Palestine was underwhelming and the performance against Jordan was appalling. To be honest, I can see Australia going out, well straight away, if they aren't at their best. The team is simply not performing well and unless if that changes, we should no longer be considered an Asian Powerhouse. And btw, yes Maclaren found the net once, but I still can't see him scoring another one soon.
EJ
Roar Pro
we could go all the way but it would take our very best to do it, Uzbekistan round of 16, we are probably the favourites they are beatable but we have to watch out otherwise it could end like the Jordan game, if we win that we play the winner of UAE v Kyrgyzstan, two teams we could beat but have provided trouble against us in the past, if we make the semis, it will be most likely South Korea and it would take our very best to beat them, not impossible but with an inform Son Heung-Min, it will be very hard. not impossible but will take our very best
Anthony Ferguson
Guest
I'd be very surprised if we won it. Pleasantly surprised. I'm anticipating us going out in the QF or SF. Iran or Sth Korea to win it.
Carl
Guest
NO! The coach needs time to gel and blend his side. There are no superstars in this team. Maybe they will in the future. Invest in the youth and players who are performing well right now. Rather than reputation. The team is not doing too bad considering the youth squads have not shown much throughout this decade.