Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis this morning congratulated Mark Viduka and the Socceroos on a gutsy performance overnight in the Asian Cup.

Senator Brandis said the never-say-die attitude of the team, playing against the defending champions Japan, proved once again that Australia is a serious player in the world game.

“Playing for 120 minutes, much of it with only ten men, all in the swelter of a Hanoi summer, can only be described as a gutsy and determined effort.”

“And after all that, Australians all over the world held their breath, just as they did two years ago, as a penalty shootout determined what a long, hot and hard played 120 minutes of football couldn’t.”

“Even though Japan eventually won on penalties, 4-3, Socceroos coach, Graham Arnold has said he couldn’t be more proud of the players, and I’m sure Australians watching or listening last night would agree wholeheartedly.”

“I congratulate Mark Viduka and the Socceroos for a gutsy effort.”

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

22 July 2007