Football Australia today extended its congratulations to the many stakeholders that together contributed to a hugely successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ over the past month.
A stunning FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Final, which saw Argentina finally triumph over France on penalties after the score remained 3-all after extra-time at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, was the perfect conclusion to a memorable month that brought the world together through football.
"I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Argentina, led by one of the greatest players of all time in Lionel Messi, on claiming their third FIFA World Cup crown," said Football Australia CEO James Johnson.
"It was a pulsating match that befitted the glorious month of football that preceded it, where the quality and spirit of football on the pitch united people from around the world. This was the case on the streets of Doha where visitors gathered in celebration, and it was also the case around the public squares and fan sites across cities and towns in Australia, where thousands turned out to support the best-ever performance of the Subway Socceroos at a FIFA World Cup".
The Subway Socceroos, led by Head Coach Graham Arnold, finished in 11th place overall after being eliminated in a gripping Round of 16 fixture by eventual champions, Argentina.
Australia's participation in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was the culmination of a two-and-a-half-year qualification process, disrupted by COVID and necessitating multiple home matches to be staged in Qatar, before being decided by a breathtaking Intercontinental Play-Off penalty shootout victory over Peru, in Doha during June.
"The journey to the FIFA World Cup is not meant to be easy, and it wasn't. It took great sacrifice from players and staff, spending long periods away from family in challenging circumstances. I hope I speak on behalf of all football fans when I say thank you to the Subway Socceroos for the great memories you have given us. It was all worth it," said Johnson.
FIFA, in conjunction with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the Qatar Football Association, delivered an operationally excellent FIFA World Cup, which not only delivered the best possible conditions on the pitch but extended a warm welcome to visitors from all around the world.
"It's always a reflection of how well a FIFA World Cup is planned and delivered when footballers on the pitch can perform at their highest level and enjoy themselves while doing it - this was achieved time and time again throughout Qatar 2022," continued Johnson.
"Just as importantly, we saw first-hand how Qatar extended the warmest possible hospitality to players, officials and fans alike, while enabling visitors to experience the Arab world's rich culture. We very much look forward to returning to Qatar for the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ and on other future occasions," Johnson concluded.
The eyes of the world now turn to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, to be hosted from 20 July to 20 August.
