Aussies love being really good at sport, but if we’re not going to win a competition, having a go is really the best compliment we can give.

The Socceroos were never expected to do overly well at the World Cup; in fact, many were expecting a hammering at the hands of France in the first game.

When that did not happen and Australia played well in an honourable loss (ensuring we missed our chance to have a shot at another favourite past-time: mocking the hopeless losers), the excitement for the rest of the tournament increased.

In the end we were left with disappointment as the team finished with just the one point from three games and did not score a goal from open play.

One could compare them to Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens and Murray league.

They’re full of effort, have some decent players, can challenge the opposition, but when it comes to the top end of competition they haven’t quite matched it.

Who knows how that could change if Raiders had Michael Newton at full forward, or equally, if the Socceroos had Christiano Ronaldo up front to convert those chances.

But if you don’t want to look at what ifs, look at what’s next.

The emergence of 19-year-old Daniel Arnazi as Australia’s new favourite should be encouraging for young soccer players wanting to become the next Socceroo hero the team needs to beat the best.

Maybe that next superstar could even come from the Border.

In the meantime, employers are probably breathing a sign of relief that fewer of their workers will be showing up sleep-deprived in the mornings.

If the Aussies had made it through, the next match would have been 4am Monday morning.

Spare a thought for your soccer fanatic colleagues who will stay up to watch any team – even if they’re keeping it quiet, you’ll probably be able to spot them by the extra cups of coffees or cans of Red Bull.

For those still disappointed Australia won’t get to take on the big guns, don’t stress, you’ll only have to wait another month.

The women of the Matildas will take on Brazil in the first match of the Tournament of Nations on July 27 and with Sam Kerr, they have a much better shot at finishing those chances in front of goal.