Football – Australia's Next Sporting Fixation.

"We normally get this kind of traffic spike for a major disaster, so it's terrific that such a strong feel good story is uniting so many Australians." - Fairfax online managing editor, Mike van Niekerk.

Australian football’s glorious night of nights not only took centre stage in the hearts and minds of the more than 6.3 million Australians who tuned into SBS’ live match broadcast, but the enormity of public interest in the play-off tie left an indelible impression upon the Australian television, internet and print media who’ve since woken up to the massive market appeal of football in this country.

Compared with the viewing figures of 3 million for the Aussie Rules Grand Final and 2.6 million for the Melbourne Cup, the peak audience of 3.4 million during the heart stopping penalty shootout has made football this year’s premier Australian sporting event.

However this newfound influence on the Australian sporting landscape doesn’t end with magnificent television ratings or even with the impressive attendance figure of 82,698 spectators. Australian football enjoyed unprecedented levels of nationwide fanaticism the likes of which other sports in this country, despite their mainstream popularity, can only dream of mustering. This showcase of intense passion, tremendous skill and nerve-shattering drama provided a night of immense inspiration for all Australians.

Membership of the Asian Football Confederation entitles us to more than just a fairer and more meaningful World Cup qualification path. The Australian national team can now look forward to participation in the AFC Asian Cup and the tournament’s qualifying process, as well as A-League club involvement in the lucrative Asian Champions’ League. The multitude of significant Asia-wide matches involving our national team and A-League club teams will see media exposure and corporate support for Australian football grow well beyond the capacity of Cricket, Aussie Rules and Rugby.

Football will also become the vehicle with which Australia strengthens its cultural, political and business ties with Asian countries. Sponsorship of Australian football teams will provide Australian brands and products with massive exposure in a previously untapped Asian marketplace. The further breakdown of cultural barriers will see an increase in opportunities for state governments to promote tourism and other government business ventures through football.

The national euphoria surrounding Australia’s World Cup qualifying triumph is just the beginning of an exciting and prosperous future for Australian football. Under the expert leadership of Frank Lowy and John O’Neill, Football Federation Australia has established a national professional football league, secured membership to the vast riches of the Asian Football Confederation and accomplished that all important goal of World Cup qualification. Having successfully laid a solid foundation, Australian football is now equipped to forge ahead with tremendous confidence in fulfilling our almost unlimited potential.