Despite a spirited performance in the final group match, the Socceroos have fallen short in Russia, finishing at the foot of Group C after a 2-0 loss to Peru on Tuesday night.
All was not lost in the tournament though with Russia providing a springboard for the meteoric rise of Daniel Arzani. The City winger was a 58th minute substitute in the contest, coming off the bench with the Socceroos 2-0 down and chasing an unlikely result against the South American qualifiers.
Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero were the difference on the steamy day in Sochi however Arzani’s influence off the bench resonated with Australian football fans once again, adding a cutting edge to the final third that couldn’t break down the Peruvian defence.
Former City stars Tim Cahill, Aaron Mooy and Aziz Behich also featured in the contest with the latter two playing another full match in the competition.
Cahill also became the first Australian to appear at four World Cups, joining some of the greats of the game including Gianluigi Buffon, Thierry Henry, Xavi, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Socceroos will have six months before they are in competitive action again as the gear up for the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE this January.
