Craig Goodwin proud after named in Arnold's 26-man squad

Craig Goodwin will head to his first major tournament with the Socceroos after being named in Graham Arnold’s 26-man FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ squad.

The 30-year-old has been rewarded following his strong performances with Adelaide United, building a reputation as one of the most consistent and influential players in the A-League Men’s competition.

SOCCEROOS SQUAD ANNOUNCED: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Talking Points: Graham Arnold's FIFA World Cup squad announcement press conference

Speaking at a press conference with Adelaide, Goodwin admitted he was honoured to have been included and achieve a childhood dream.

“It’s a really proud moment (for me),” he explained.

“I’m really excited for the World Cup and (it’s) my first so to fulfil a childhood dream is going to be an amazing experience for me.

“I was sitting at home and I was waiting for a phone call and it got to about 10:30pm and I still was waiting, so I figured I’d just go to sleep and see what happened overnight.

“I woke up in the morning to the text message from the team manager that I was in the squad and (there was) a lot of joy from that.

“Then I spoke to Graham Arnold that night.

“(He just said) obviously congratulations… and his big message is we don't want to be just a participant in this World Cup.

“We want to be able to go there and try and do something special and he really believes that and so does the team.”

Goodwin has hit the ground running for the Reds to start this season with three goals and five assists in six matches and is hoping to carry that form into the tournament.

He will be looking to add to his 10 caps and one goal whether in a starting role or as a substitute.

“I'm confident in my own abilities, whether it's coming off the bench or in a starting position,” he said.

“It's always a goal to be in that starting position and you want to get to that first game and in the World Cup and to see your name on the starting line-up would be massive.

“So to get that I have to be playing and doing consistently well with Adelaide.”

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