sport news Five things we learnt from the Socceroos 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar trends now

The Socceroos shocked the world in Qatar - but across Australia, the code can't afford to sit on its hands for a second time.

Lessons must be learnt from 2006, when the success in Germany thanks to the Golden Generation was taken for granted and not acted upon.

Now is the time to capitalise, when interest in football is at an all-time high.

And with the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year, the sport has a priceless opportunity to ensure it stays relevant.

Daily Mail Australia has broken down what must happen to ensure football flourishes over the next few years.

FUNDING

Across 2021 and 2022, football ($7,903,750) received less federal government funding compared to the likes of cycling ($14,496,436), athletics ($10,747,326), hockey ($9,846,636), sailing (A$9,581,000), swimming ($9,467,670) and basketball ($8,018,784).

Given football has the highest participation number rate of any sport in Australia, the figure has been called into question by many.

And rightly so. 

Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is adamant more funding will help improve junior development pathways.

'We need to spend money and get help from the government to put some money into the game to help develop kids,' he said.

'One thing I would really love to see before I finish up completely in football is the government build us a house.

'We need a home, a facility like the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport), something that the government can help fund for the development of the national teams but also for the good of Australian football.'

RETAIN GRAHAM ARNOLD AS SOCCEROOS COACH

It seemed an unlikely prospect after Australia failed to qualify directly for the World Cup, finishing behind Saudi Arabia and Japan.

The Socceroos went the long route to Qatar, playing 20 games before beating the UAE and Peru in Doha back in June to secure their spot at the showpiece event.

Written off as cannon fodder against France, Denmark and Tunisia, Arnold stunned millions after guiding Australia out of the group stage in the Middle

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