Graham Arnold’s Australia have revived World Cup memories of 2006 after reaching the last 16 of Qatar 2022 with a battling showing in Group D.
Guus Hiddink led the Socceroos to their first ever World Cup knockout-stage appearance in Germany and Arnold has matched the feat 16 years later.
Despite losing to 4-1 to defending champions France in their opening game, Australia held their nerve to defeat Tunisia and Denmark and progress to the Round of 16.
Arnold is not blessed with the Premier League quality available to Hiddink, with the A-League Men providing eight players for his squad, but their gritty approach will make them a force to be reckoned with in the knockout stages.
MORE:Â Why is Australia’s men’s football team called the Socceroos?
Here is a look at Australia’s possible route to the 2022 World Cup final, including dates and potential opponents, in each of the knockout rounds.
Round of 16: Australia vs Argentina
Second place in Group D pits Australia against the winners of Group C. That means they will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the Round of 16.
The Albiceleste responded to their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia by beating Mexico and they topped their group by defeating Poland 2-0. These teams haven’t met in the World Cup finals, but they did play a playoff match to qualify for the 1994 tournament, with Argentina winning 2-1 on aggregate.
Quarterfinals: Australia vs Netherlands or USA
If Australia can navigate their way into the quarterfinals, Arnold’s side could face a slice of good fortune, up against the Netherlands or USA.
Despite being uncharted territory for the Socceroos, this would be a favourable clash, with neither opponent boasting the firepower of other World Cup sides.
Australia do also have previous with the Dutch, having lost to them in the 2014 World Cup group stages, with Memphis Depay netting the winner in Porto Alegre.
.@Tim_Cahill made his final appearance for Australia today, leaving us all with many great memories of him in a @Socceroos jersey 🇦🇺
Who could forget this goal against the Netherlands at Brazil 2014? 💥pic.twitter.com/MKMwMlrKVF
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2018
MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)
Semifinals: Australia vs Spain or Brazil
A last-four spot would be an incredible achievement for Australia. If they can force their way through to the semifinals, they will likely face a meeting with Spain or Brazil.
Australia have failed to score in seven meetings with Brazil, who are heavily expected to win Group G and come through a last-16 match with likely Ghana, Uruguay or South Korea.
Spain cruised to a 3-0 win in their only game against Australia in the 2014 World Cup. La Roja are top of Group E and will be favourites to defeat Croatia, Belgium or Morocco in the Round of 16.
Final: Australia vs France or England
The World Cup final would be dreamland for Australia and would make them the first non-European or South American side to reach the final.
Based on the other side of the draw, England and France look set to be the most likely options, with the latter already beating them in Qatar.
A final against England would offer the more glamorous tie for Australia against an old enemy in cricket and rugby circles.
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