Soccer-Arnold resigns as Australia coach after World Cup qualifying setbacks

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Round of 16 - Australia v Indonesia - Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - January 28, 2024 Australia coach Graham Arnold reacts after the match REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Graham Arnold has resigned as Australia coach in a decision he said was "best for the nation" following the Socceroos' poor start to Asia's third phase of World Cup qualifying.

Arnold's resignation follows heavy criticism from fans and pundits after a shock 1-0 loss to Bahrain on home soil and a 0-0 draw away against Asian soccer minnows Indonesia.