FFA Chairman thrilled by Qantas Socceroos qualification

Football Federation Australia Chairman Mr Frank Lowy AC is absolutely thrilled and delighted by the Qantas Socceroos qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Football Federation Australia Chairman Mr Frank Lowy AC is absolutely thrilled and delighted by the Qantas Socceroos qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Mr Lowy revealed that never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that Australia would qualify for two successive World Cup-s when he took over the running of the game six years ago.

“This is a wonderful day. I can-t tell you how excited and happy we are here to have achieved this qualification at such an early time.

"Just remember, about six years ago when this administration had taken over the game, the achievement is really fantastic," he said.

"Never could I have dreamt that we were going to go to back-to-back World Cup qualification in the first six years.

Mr Lowy also praised the efforts of the players and coaching staff for their efforts in getting Australia to South Africa.

"This achievement is due of course to the players who are in the frontline and of course the coach too,” he added, as he turned to Pim Verbeek and once again offered his congratulations.

"What is important is that we're there and we are there in such a professional fashion. Obviously the euphoria last time (in 2005) was somewhat greater for a number of reasons - it was a home game and we got there in the last second on penalties.

"This time it was deliberate, professional, and well planned and I think the results showed. We all are really, really excited and how thankful we are to our boys, who worked so hard."

As for Australia-s bid to host the World Cup, Mr Lowy has no doubts that qualifying and performing well in South Africa will do Australia-s chances of hosting either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups the world of good.

“Great difference,” he said when quizzed on its significance in terms of the World Cup bid. “They recognise Australia for what it is.

“Of course they were here last year and saw what Australia can do in hospitality and organisation.

“I think it-s essential for us to get the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, but we have to keep winning because everybody wants to be with a winner.”

FFA CEO Mr Ben Buckley has no doubts that qualifying for the World Cup will do a lot for the game not just in the short term, but over many years.

“It-s almost immeasurable,” Buckley said, when asked what it would do the for the game. “There is no doubt participating in the World Cup helps raise the profile of the game; it helps create heroes that youngsters inspire to be and certainly inspires youngsters to want to participate in a World Cup.

“It relates to promotion of the game; development of the game and I guess building the profile for the game, so on that front we are delighted with the result and it-s a big boost for the game moving forward.”