With the curtains beginning to close on 2018 we look back at a few things we’ve been most thankful for as fans of the world game. 

Before beginning, credit must be given to Daniel Arzani’s rapid ascension as a footballer.

We’re certainly thankful for the excitement he’s brought and we look forward to his return from injury to see what his future looks like.

With that out of the way, here are the 5 things in football that we’re most thankful for this Thanksgiving…

5. The Fans

We’ve all heard it before but without the fans, there is no football.

It’s Sydney Derbies with booming terraces and Poznańs that shake stadiums.

It’s scores of light and dark blue jerseys – and plenty of ‘misplaced’ yellow Four ‘n’ Twenty seat covers – at the opening round Melbourne Derby.

It’s the smoke-filled revolution of MLS active support, the deafening Anfield pre-match renditions of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and the fearsome La Bombonera bouncing with the untameable energy of tens of thousands of Boca fans.

Scenes like these are what fans live for.

4. The Kits

If you consider yourself quite the connoisseur of football kits, 2018 has been VERY kind to you.

This year provided some of the best including Manchester United’s gorgeous pink third kit, Lazio’s ultra-wearable home strip and the PSG x Jordan Collaboration.

Let’s be real though, one kit conquered all and it’s Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup kit. Manufactured by Nike, it really was the standout strip amongst the 32 competing nations.

Now that we’ve mentioned the World Cup…

 

3. The 2018 FIFA World Cup

The Cup brought the colours, languages and cultures of 32 countries to 12 Russian stadiums.

While Australia may not have escaped the group stage, that first match against France was really something special.

To be playing the eventual winners on the biggest stage for international footballers was a memory which many Australians will hold fondly.

Regardless, it was clear from the countless #ItsComingHome tweets that even after the Socceroos had fallen short against Peru, there would be plenty of storylines we’d forcibly wake ourselves in the early hours of the morning to follow.

 

2. Women’s Football

In 2018, Australia has been ready to throw huge support behind its national teams and the performances of the Matildas have justified their impressive recent attendances in the two-match friendly series against Chile in New South Wales.

Australia’s leading female players are becoming role models for Australian children and international stars to the wider football community.

The interaction of players with fans at W-League games is genuinely touching and Australia may soon find it plays host to one of the premier female football leagues around the world.

 

1. Tim Cahill

He’s certainly been a polarising figure, but Tim Cahill has given Australia some of its greatest sporting moments.

At the closing of an iconic chapter, what we’re thankful for in 2018 is his role in putting Australian football on the map against Japan at the 2006 World Cup.

We’re thankful for that goal against the Netherlands in 2014 which will be ingrained in our collective minds.

We’re thankful for those goals against Syria in 2017 which saved our only hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Thanks, Timmy.