PM Anthony Albanese promises Aussies a public holiday if Socceroos win the World Cup
Our calls have been heard.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has promised the nation a public holiday if the Socceroos win the World Cup.
Graham Arnold's side registered perhaps one of the most famous victories in Australian football history, beating Denmark 1-0 to book their spot in the Round of 16 in Qatar.
When Mathew Leckie buried the ball into the bottom corner, Aussie fans went into meltdown.
In the wake of the historic win, some people were even calling for a public holiday to celebrate.
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That didn't happen, although it seems their wishes have been heard – to a certain degree.
Albanese has agreed to a public holiday but only of the green and gold win the tournament, the Aussie PM even admitting he was 'feeling a bit dusty' after staying up late to watch the clash.
"I do note, the calls are out across Australia for a public holiday to be declared, and I say today, it was a bit late at 4am to call a public holiday," he told the media.
"But if we win the World Cup, that may be a different story, so we will see how that goes. It might be a bit hard to resist."
The Socceroos now face a tough, tough task in the form of a five-foot-seven-inch Argentine.
That's right, Lionel Messi stands between the Aussies and a place in the World Cup quarter-final, which would be the furthest an Australian team has ever gone.
"The match against Australia is going to be very difficult," Messi said after Argentina finished top of their group.
"Anyone can beat anyone, it's all even. We have to prepare for the game as we always do."
Uncharted territory indeed for the Socceroos, although head coach Arnold wants his boys prepared for the task at hand.
“No celebrations,” he said on SBS' broadcast.
“As I said to the boys, that’s why we won after a great win against Tunisia.
“No celebrations, no emotion. Sleep. No social media.”
While Arnold is now clearly focused on Messi and Co, he did recognise his side's monumental effort to come out on top against Denmark.
“Just so proud of the effort by the boys,” Arnold added.
“Short turnaround but their effort was incredible.
“[It took] a lot of belief, a lot of hard work. These boys come in with a great mindset. We’ve been working on this for four and a half years. We have the belief, the energy and the focus.
“I could see in their eyes that they were ready tonight.”
Topics: Australia, Football, Football World Cup
Max Sherry