Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has received the ultimate praise after leading Australia to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.
World-renowned soccer authority and French newspaper L’Equipe rated the Aussie mastermind as the best of the managers to guide their nation into the knockout stages.
He was ranked above now-Argentinian champion manager Lionel Scaloni and Walid Regragui, who led African high-flyers Morocco to the semi-final.
The eventual champions dashed Australia’s quest for glory, but they held their own, an impressive feat considering very few of the squad feature in the world’s top five leagues.
“It’s incredible. I have just seen it (the rankings), but full credit must go to all the players, staff and Football Australia who did the nation extremely proud, Arnold said while on holiday in England.
“The World Cup memories will always be there for all of Australia to remember. It was also down to the wonderful support we had back home.
“It was a great World Cup, and to play against the two finalists (Argentina and France) was a dream come true for all of us.”
France belted Australia in their first outing despite the underdogs going ahead inside the first 20 minutes but fought back brilliantly to defeat Tunisia and Denmark, sealing a knockout berth.
Arnold is yet to re-sign with Football Australia, but the accolade can only help the fan-favorite’s case.
England manager Gareth Southgate’s future is still anything but clear after being rated equal sixth best with his side exiting in the quarter-finals.
Japanese boss Hajime Moriyasu was also given high praise coming in second on the list.
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