Graham Arnold reappointed Australian nationwide coach

SYDNEY (AP) — Graham Arnold is ready to grow to be the primary man to steer Australia at successive FIFA World Cups after signing a four-year contract extension as nationwide males’s coach which can take him via the 2026 world event.

Arnold’s place was doubtful final 12 months as Australia struggled to qualify for Qatar. He guided Australia to a penalty shoot-out win over Peru which clinched its place on the World Cup, then oversaw Australia’s most profitable marketing campaign, through which it gained two group matches earlier than shedding to eventual champion Argentina within the spherical of 16.

Arnold’s contract expired on the finish of the World Cup. He had been weighing his future, contemplating provides abroad, earlier than Soccer Australia on Monday confirmed he had agreed to a four-year extension.

“I like Australia and I like Australian soccer and nothing in soccer can ever match the elation, pleasure and sense of feat I and the whole set-up felt in Qatar,” Arnold mentioned in a press release.

“The starvation to proceed within the function has by no means been stronger and I do know I’ve extra to present to the Socceroos’ program and Australian soccer, the place I wish to ship extra smiles for our followers as we did in Qatar.”

Arnold is the primary nationwide coach since Frank Farina to be awarded a second time period. His first main objective would be the Asian Cup in Qatar in January, 2024. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup begins for Australia in November.

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