sport news Graham Arnold aims dig at AFL, NRL and rugby union ahead of World Cup clash ... trends now
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Australia coach Graham Arnold believes his side can unite the country in a way other sports cannot by reaching the World Cup last 16.
The Socceroos can secure a place in the knockout stage at Qatar 2022 with victory over Denmark in their final Group D game on Wednesday.
Barring a surprise win for Tunisia over reigning champions France, a draw would even suffice.
Graham Arnold has claimed the Socceroos are more popular than any team in Australia
Australia have not qualified from their group at a World Cup since 2006 and, after Saturday's 1-0 win over Tunisia generated huge excitement, Arnold feels there is now a big opportunity for football Down Under.
The Australian footballing landscape is dominated by Aussie Rules and the two rugby codes but, while those sports are strong in certain parts of the country, they are weaker in others.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arnold said: 'Something that's been proven right is that there's one football team, sporting team, that unites the nation and it's the Socceroos.
