By Samindra Kunti in Doha
December 1 – Do Australia have a new golden generation? Yes, at least in the view of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, who hailed his players after a dour 1-0 victory against Denmark was enough to ensure passage to the last 16 of the World Cup, for only the second time in Australia’s history.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Arnold often spoke of the Australian DNA as the Socceroos wrestled their way through the qualifiers and then the playoff and that DNA has done wonders for the Australians who on Wednesday qualified for the second round of the World Cup with a smart, laboured win over Denmark, one of the tournament’s supposed dark horses.
A goal from Mathew Leckie in the 60th minute was the difference between the two sides and prompted wild celebrations back home in Australia.
“Maybe we’re talking about a new golden generation now because we’ve been listening and hearing about the golden generation of 2006 that got four points and now we’ve got six, so maybe we’re talking about a new generation,” said Graham Arnold.
“There will be some hangovers and some joy with the Australian fans. It’s remarkable.”
It is the first time Australia have reached the last 16 at the World Cup since 2006, when they had Premier League trio Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill in the squad.
“Defensively we were good. Denmark were a second slower and that helped us. We tried to ensure Eriksen didn’t get the ball. He drives the team which is in the top 10 for a reason.”
Arnold also said that it was a big moment for Asia, a sign that the continent was reducing the gap and that Australia would be the last team you would have thought would go through.
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