TRANSCRIPT
Once rare now routine but never to be taken for granted.
World Cup qualification has been achieved by the Socceroos for a sixth consecutive time.
Australia's two goals to one defeat of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on the last matchday of stage three guarantees them second place in Group C, and a spot in next year's World Cup without having to go through one of the playoff rounds.
After their last-gasp win over Japan in Perth last week, they only needed to avoid defeat by five goals or more to book their place.
But perspective is required here.
Booking a place at all was a result that was in some jeopardy when Tony Popovic was appointed coach in the wake of Graham Arnold's resignation nine months ago.
Popovic, a former Socceroo himself, is proud to have turned that dream into reality.
"It's not something you see happening. When you're young, you dream of these things. And to be standing here, I'm very honoured with the responsibility, and I feel privileged to have this role."
It's a tale of individual redemption, not just that of the team.
The often-criticised striker Mitchell Duke scored the winning goal against the Saudi squad.
His typically Australian reaction to that twist of fate is also typical of the Socceroos with his determination to get back at those who doubt him.
"I wasn't even supposed to be here, to honest. Mat Leckie got injured, and I was a late call-up. Got the voodoo doll out and maybe injured Leckie! Nah...sorry, mate! But it feels good, and probably a good way to silence some of the keyboard warriors as well. Feels good."
With a spot in the 2026 World Cup secure, thoughts now turn, naturally, to 2026, and the tournament, which has now been expanded to 48 teams, and is set to be co-hosted between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Captain Mat Ryan is leading the way in dreaming of North America.
"We're going to enjoy, obviously, tonight, and that direct qualification now. And come, maybe not tomorrow, but in week's time or little bit longer, the prep starts for the next goal we set ourselves."
But, in looking forward, sometimes you can't help looking back.
And that glance in the rear-view mirror is more than pleasant for the Socceroos, who inspired the nation with victories over Denmark and Tunisia at the last World Cup in 2022, making the knockout stage for just the second time.
Defender Milos Degenek was there in 2022... and is looking to build on that legacy.
"It's going to be special. There's obviously going to be a lot of Australian people supporting us in the games. But for the people who don't make it, who do stay home, hopefully we can create memories similar, and if not better than the ones we created in Qatar."
Even in an expanded tournament where 32 teams will make the knockout stage, Australia's football will need to further improve if they are to make the desired splash in 2026.
Popovic says, with qualification now achieved, the truly hard work begins.
"Yeah, well, we have some plans obviously for September with some games. And then there;s a plan moving forward now that we know we've definitely gone throigh, we're not in the playoffs. We've got some different plans in october that we've been working on. So, it's exciting."
That excitement is set to be shared nationwide once again.
