Australia’s bold plan to achieve global recognition and become an instant footballing powerhouse came to a shuddering halt on December 2, 2010. Less than a decade after the sport reached its lowest ebb domestically, winning hosting rights to the 2022 World Cup would have completed the ambitious transformation.

Alas it was not to be, with Qatar being awarded the showpiece event. The relative merits, or lack of, regarding Qatar’s bid have been discussed in considerable depth throughout the media, and this piece does not aim to rehash this argument.

But with the domestic A-League struggling through a difficult season, this blow meant the naysayers were ready to write off football completely.