Following the announcement that Graham Arnold has put pen to paper on a four year extension to remain the Head Coach of the Subway Socceroos, here are some of his best moments while at the helm.
Arnold was appointed in July 2018, in what was his second stint as Green and Gold boss and also took on the responsibility of coaching the Australia U-23s.
Here is a recap of some of his most memorable achievements in charge:
Most consecutive wins in FIFA World Cup qualifying
Between September 2019 and October 2021, Arnold’s side went on an unprecedented 11-match winning streak during Qatar 2022 qualifiers. The Aussies claimed its record-breaking 11th victory after a 3-1 win over Oman before the invincible run ended the following game because of a 2-1 defeat away to Japan. Only one match, a 5-0 win against Nepal in Canberra, was played on home soil during that stretch as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The previous milestone of most successive triumphs (10) was shared by Germany (Russia 2018), Spain (South Africa 2010), and Mexico (Germany 2006).
Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
While Australia did produce a stellar run of form in qualifying it still was not enough to directly qualify, having encountered setbacks in the third round. It meant they would have to do it the hard way if they were to reach a fifth straight FIFA World Cup. The Aussies are no strangers to going the distance, previously going down the gruelling play-off route – think 2005 Uruguay or 2017 Honduras.
Play-off win over United Arab Emirates
First up Australia faced the United Arab Emirates in a do-or-die Asian Football Confederation (AFC) playoff. Goals from Jackson Irvine and Ajdin Hrustic secured a 2-1 victory and meant Arnold’s men advanced to the inter-confederation play-off.
Prevailing past Peru on penalties
Now standing in Australia’s way between a plane ticket to Qatar or complete despair was South American outfit Peru. It was a tense and nervy contest with chances arriving at a premium. It finished 0-0 after 120 minutes, but just before full-time, Graham Arnold along with his coaching made a bold decision, substituting goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne in for the penalty shootout at the expense of Maty Ryan, and as they say the rest is history.
The tactics and mind games proved to be a masterstroke by Arnold and his team, as Redmayne denied Alex Valera from the spot. Absolute pandemonium followed with Australia sealing a sixth trip to the major tournament.
Historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ performance
Entering Qatar, Australia was pitted alongside reigning champions France, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D. Few gave the team a fighting chance, and after being outclassed 4-1 by France to commence the competition meant it did little to dispel the rather low pre-tournament expectations. However, what was to ensue truly captivated the entire country.
Arnold and his squad defied the odds and progressed to the Round of 16 for just the second time and first since the ‘Golden Generation’ in 2006. From an outside perspective this could be true, but Arnold always maintained and instilled belief in his players, galvanising a culture predicated on togetherness, spirit, and sheer determination.
First FIFA World Cup win in more than a decade
Arnold got his tactics spot on as Australia snared its maiden FIFA World Cup in more than 12 years after a gutsy 1-0 triumph against Tunisia. Mitch Duke’s sensational first-half header had the Green and Gold in a strong position and from there negotiated the remainder of the match without ever being too troubled.
Euphoria after stunning Denmark
Mathew Leckie’s magnificent run and finish helped Australia beat Denmark 1-0 and in the process the Subway Socceroos broke up number of records. Never had Australia won two matches at the same FIFA World Cup. After Tunisia upset France, it meant Australia did indeed require maximum points and remarkably they took control of their own destiny to move into the knockout stages. Arnold made a slight alteration at the break, introducing young midfielder Keanu Baccus into the middle of the park for Craig Goodwin which pushed Riley McGree further forward onto the wing. The Aussies appeared more balanced, and they caught the Danes in transition, enabling Leckie to pounce on the hour mark and spark wild scenes of jubilation back home.
Subway Olyroos shock Argentina at Tokyo Olympics
Facing the 2008 Olympic Gold Medallists in Argentina, the Subway Olyroos pulled off an incredible 2-0 win in their opening group match at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics in 2021. Lachie Wales scored in the 14th minute before Francisco Ortega was brandished a second yellow card before half-time. With Arnold’s troops disciplined and remaining compact, Tilio doubled the advantage via a splendid strike 10 minutes from time to register a famous triumph.
Providing opportunities and looking to the future
One of Arnold’s mandates when he assumed the role in 2018 was to replenish Australia’s depth and look to blood, exciting new talent at the beginning of a fresh FIFA cycle. He inherited an aging squad which soon coincided with the international retirements of Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.
Since his second stint in charge, Arnold has capped 32 new Socceroos. Furthermore, the 59-year-old also decided to take control of the Subway Olyroos until 2021, helping create an effective pathway to the senior side. The decision has paid massive dividends with the likes of Kye Rowles, Cameron Devlin, Keanu Baccus, Marco Tilio, Riley McGree and Joel King all having since debuted for the Subway Socceroos and have bright futures ahead of them.
Prodigy Garang Kuol also became the youngest player to debut for the Subway Socceroos since Harry Kewell in 1996, when he appeared against New Zealand and was later included in the 26-player FIFA World Cup Squad. Continuity is a fundament component of success, so the hope will be a large core of these younger players mentioned and coming through the system will be around for years to come under a manager that knows them really well.
