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Socceroos hero's tragic news moments after full time

Bailey Wright could hardly speak after the Socceroos' incredible win over Denmark.

He paid an emotional tribute to huge sacrifices made by his family, after receiving the news that his mother in-law had passed away.

“I just want to dedicate this to my wife, and her mum - I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure if she's still with us. So this was for them," Wright said.

"They're having a really tough time back home, but ultimately, they've made this possible for me to be here and live one of my dreams.”

"I've just come in from a message from my wife ... it's sort of something I've kept to myself, we've all got a lot going on.”

Wright managed to put personal issues to the side, coming on with half an hour to go and helping see off Denmark, to secure Australia's spot in the last 16.

"(Coach Graham Arnold) asked me to warm up when it was 0-0, then we had a few shouts that Tunisia were winning 1-0 so I wasn't sure, maybe, if I'd get on or what would happen.

"Next minute, (Mat Leckie) worked his magic (to score) and I was already warmed up and ready to go.”
Whatever he kept to himself, even from other players, is now out in the open but there's no doubt the rest of the squad will be around to support him.

"When we set out on this journey four years ago and Arnie kind of said to us what he wanted this to be about; and that our mateship and togetherness is what's going to make us create history."

Image: Getty

Tags:
Soccer, sports, socceroos, Bailey Wright, Denmark