‘The future is so bright’: Irvine’s ‘mixed emotions’ after brave World Cup exit 

Despite experiencing mixed emotions following a devastating 2-1 defeat to Argentina that eliminated the Socceroos from the FIFA World Cup, Jackson Irvine enforced one thing: the Green and Gold’s future is bright. 

The Socceroos made history by recording two wins at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, their most wins in a campaign.

While the tournament has ended for the Green and Gold, they did the nation proud with a gallant performance, pushing Argentina all the way to the end.

Reflecting upon the Socceroos’ campaign, Irvine's emotions were running high after the game.

“At the end of the game, the exhaustion and knowing that it's all come to an end becomes a bit overwhelming,” Irvine said. 

“And then we start to settle, look at the performance and see what we did so well throughout the game.

We pushed them right to the last kick of the game so I'm immensely proud. Filled with pride for this group of players, staff members and everybody who pushed us. 

“We all push each other to achieve something special. If you said to me before the tournament that I'd be standing in the last 16 after a 2-1 loss to Argentina feeling like there was maybe something else there for us. That's where we're at as a team. 

“I'm just so proud of every single player and I hope we have given the people a tournament to remember.”

Graham Arnold’s side created history but will head home feeling they could have gone even further.

While the nostalgia from the tournament will live long despite a cruel loss, Irvine said the young side will only grow from the experience. 

“There will be a time for us to look back, reflect and have a moment to see what we've done,” Irvine explained. 

“Hopefully we have reignited each other and Australian football. The future is so bright and I'm so proud to be a part of this team.

The mentality is so strong. We really thought we could still win the game at 1-0 down at half time.

“It says so much about the mentality of such a young group of players. We have an experience spine but for players like Kye, Harry and even Garang coming on at the end and almost grabbing a goal, it says a lot about where the future of Australian football is going.”