Socceroos boss Graham Arnold says he feels like Aussies FAILED at the World Cup despite great run

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Socceroos boss Graham Arnold says he feels the Aussies FAILED at the World Cup, despite breaking many records and uniting the country behind them during the underdog run.

After a record-breaking World Cup campaign, Socceroos boss Graham Arnold says he felt the Aussies ‘failed’ in Qatar despite reaching the round of 16 with a strong underdog tag.

Losing in a gripping duel to Argentina on Sunday morning (AEDT), the Socceroos were evidently emotional after their dream streak came to an end.

Leading Australia to their best-ever result, even after barely qualifying, the all-star team rocked Argentina until the final moments.

Graham Arnold felt his team failed at the World Cup, despite an exciting run in Qatar

Graham Arnold felt his team failed at the World Cup, despite an exciting run in Qatar

Australia also managed to win two of their group matches, keeping consecutive clean sheets for the first time in their Cup history.

Arnold wondered ‘what if’ after the match, thinking about the Socceroos’ chances in the quarter-final where they would have faced the Netherlands.

He was one victory away from becoming, without a doubt, the best Australian coach in history.

Of course they are very disappointed. But it’s not every day you get to play against the third best nation in the world and against those kind of players. I felt like we did really, really well tonight,’ Arnold said.

The Socceroos came within a hair's breadth of scoring a late equalizer against Argentina

The Socceroos came within a hair’s breadth of scoring a late equalizer against Argentina

Garang Kuol's goal in the 96th minute was thwarted by a superb save by Emiliano Martínez

Garang Kuol’s goal in the 96th minute was thwarted by a superb save by Emiliano Martínez

That’s how I am. Although we have succeeded and we have succeeded, I feel like we have failed.

I just wanted to win as much for the nation and the fans. Making the last 16 for me was not enough […] That’s how I am. I know a lot of other people might be happy with that, but that’s who I am.

Fans packed Darling Harbor in Sydney and AAMI Park in Melbourne, arriving at 5am to watch the Socceroos take on one of the best in the world.

Eighteen-year-old Garang Kuol came within inches of becoming a domestic hero, narrowly finding the clutches of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to fall a goal behind.

The Socceroos were well supported by the fans who traveled to Qatar for the World Cup.

The Socceroos were well supported by the fans who traveled to Qatar for the World Cup.

And thousands of people lined the streets of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to watch the round of 16 tie against Argentina.

And thousands of people lined the streets of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to watch the round of 16 tie against Argentina.

Federation Square in Melbourne packed for Australia games during the World Cup

Federation Square in Melbourne packed for Australia games during the World Cup

Arnold is technically no longer the head coach of the Socceroos: his contract expires in Sunday’s playoff.

For now, the 59-year-old is focused on sitting down and discussing the future.

“I just want to go away, have a good vacation, rest and see what happens,” he said.

“I need to rest and I will certainly have good talks with the organization.”

Argentina were undone by a Lionel Messi goal in the first half on Sunday morning (AEDT)

Argentina were undone by a Lionel Messi goal in the first half on Sunday morning (AEDT)

Before Mat Ryan's calamitous mistake allowed Julián Álvarez to make it 2-0 for Argentina

Before Mat Ryan’s calamitous mistake allowed Julián Álvarez to make it 2-0 for Argentina

The former striker is adamant Football Australia needs a shakeup to inspire and look forward to a campaign bigger than the group stage.

“We need to spend money and get help from the government to put some money in the game to help develop children,” he said.

‘We need a home, a facility like […] the ais [Australian Institute of Sport]something that the government can help fund for the development of national teams but also for the good of Australian rules football.’

‘Arnie’ was nearly sacked last March when the Socceroos’ qualifying campaign went off course.

Somehow, it led to the world number 38 giving the world number 3 South Americans a chance.