Australia boss has said his players are the “new golden generation” after their stunning victory against Denmark to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
Mathew Leckie’s superb second-half strike secured a crucial 1-0 win which eliminated the Danes to put the spirited Socceroos in the knockout stages for the first time since 2006.
Australia’s squad back then contained the likes of former top-flight trio Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill.
Manager Arnold believes his current crop should now be held in similar esteem and singled out Scotland-born Stoke centre-back Souttar for special praise.
“I’m just so proud and happy, this is what World Cups are for,” he told a press conference.
“When the Cricket World Cup is on, you don’t see Federation Square (in Melbourne) like it is and pubs like they are, or if it’s rugby union, rugby league or anything.
“The World Cup of football unites a nation and I’m just proud that we’ve been able to put smiles on people’s faces.
“It’s the first time ever that an Australian team has won two games at a World Cup in a row.
“Maybe we’re talking about a new golden generation now because we’ve been listening and hearing about the golden generation of 2006 that got four points and now we’ve got six, so maybe we’re talking about a new generation.”
While Leckie grabbed the glory of the winning goal, Souttar, who has only just recovered from a long-term knee injury, was immense at the back as Australia limited the nation ranked 10th in the world to few opportunities.
“There will be some hangovers and some joy with the Australian fans,” continued Arnold. “It’s remarkable.
“Harry has been out for a year with an ACL, he’s played three games before he came in.
“There’s so much belief in that boy. I know his mentality is so strong. And I tell you what, if I was a Premier League club, I’d be banging on the door real quick, he’s that good.”
READ LATER: Matching the green-and-golden generation of 2006 is a stunning achievement for this Australia team
Australia began the day in second spot in Group D behind reigning champions France and ultimately finished there following a frantic few minutes of second-half drama.
The Socceroos and the Danes were both briefly heading out of the tournament after Wahbi Khazri fired Tunisia in front against Les Bleus.
News of that development had barely had time to filter through to the Al Janoub Stadium before Melbourne City forward Leckie…
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