Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, have joined the rest of Australia in congratulating the Socceroos on their magnificent victory against Iraq and managing to win their way to the World Cup Finals in Brazil next year.
19 June 2013“The joy this team has brought us all is incalculable and the boost to the sport of football will surely inspire the next generation of players in Australia.
“I congratulate captain Lucas Neill, his gallant team, coach Holger Osieck and the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) on this wonderful achievement which was years in the making”.
Mr Souris said the performance of the Socceroos in getting to the World Cup Finals and tonight’s sell-out crowd vindicated the decision by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, to ensure that NSW hosted the majority of the matches, including the vital last match against Iraq.
“This Government is committed to bringing major sporting events such as the British and Irish Lions tour, two State-of-Origin rugby league games, the Bledisloe Cup for the next decade, international surfing, motor sports and top class racing to NSW.
“The Socceroos road to Brazil has been part of this policy”.
Mr Annesley said the winning performances of the Socceroos on home soil could in part be attributed to the support shown by the passionate fans.
“I’m sure there is no better feeling than representing your country in front of a packed stadium of parochial fans.
“The Socceroos success comes with the bonus of more and more young people at grass roots level wanting to play football.
“On behalf of every sports fan in NSW I congratulate the boys on a job well done and we can now all look forward to the excitement of seeing the green and gold competing on the world stage once again at the 2014 World Cup,” Mr Annesley added.
There will be a civic reception for the victorious Socceroos tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon outside Customs House in Circular Quay.
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