sport news Proof Socceroos' World Cup success hasn't helped struggling A-League with ... trends now
Crowd numbers for the A-League have remained abysmal as the competition got no boost from the Socceroos' incredible run at the World Cup in Qatar last last year.
Football Australia no doubt would have hoped the strong support for Graham Arnold's men in the Middle East would would spill over into the struggling national competition after the tournament finished on December 19.
It hasn't.
Data from website austadiums.com revealed just how bleak the numbers have been, with the fixture between Western United and Newcastle Jets on January 15 drawing just 2356 supporters.
Additionally, the game on January 8 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium showcasing Macarthur FC versus the Jets saw only 3123 fans make their way through the gates.
The dismal crowd numbers are in stark contrast to the scenes during the World Cup, where Federation Square in Melbourne and Darling Harbour in Sydney were packed with fans as Australia reached the round of 16 for just the second time.
Perhaps fearing what may unfold, Socceroos star Craig Goodwin virtually pleaded for healthy numbers at A-League matches after Qatar.
The huge crowds during the World Cup proved the Australian public still care about football (pictured, Federation Square in Melbourne)
But despite the heroics of the Socceroos at the World Cup, crowd numbers in the A-League each week remain dreadful (pictured, a woeful crowd during a recent match in Wollongong)
'We hope that what we've achieved here can help grow the game back home because the A-League is better than it's perceived,' the Reds skipper said in December.
'The message to [the public] is this - 'get out and see the Socceroos players that are playing in the A-League.'
'Support your local teams and embrace Australian football; help it grow.
'It's about building on what we've done here, not just as a playing group, but as a nation as well.'
Sadly for Goodwin - and Football Australia - his call to arms fell on deaf ears.
Socceroos star Craig Goodwin pleaded for healthy numbers at A-League matches post Qatar - his call to arms has been ignored
A bleeding Tom Glover of Melbourne City is escorted from the pitch by team mates after fans stormed the pitch at AAMI Park
The poor numbers at A-League matches have been exacerbated by the shocking scenes at the Melbourne derby on December 17, which was an unwanted black eye for the code.
The pitch invasion at AAMI Park saw Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover
