It is impossible to overstate the the performance of the Socceroos at the World Cup in Qatar. Including their fighting defeat this morning to Argentina, this team, which was written off before the first ball was kicked two weeks ago, went beyond even the efforts of the group of 2006. This, is spite of having a squad largely composed of journeyman footballers, a manager who was routinely pilloried and legions of armchair critics both at home and abroad. 

Here is another chance to build the game in Australia by learning from the mistakes made in the last two decades. We can produce high calibre players and run of the mill and everything in between should the right reforms be enacted and appropriate funding is found and used wisely. Perhaps in two or three world cups from now, the Socceroos will progress to the quarters and the then the semis. And beyond that.

Congratulations to Arnie and the boys for making this a proud moment for a grateful nation.