Much of Australia’s World Cup hopes rest on the shoulders of Tom Rogic.
The Celtic midfielder has scored an impressive seven goals in 29 international appearances.
Like his nation’s performances however this World Cup qualification campaign has been unconvincing with the Socceroos limping in third in their final group and facing two more play-off rounds to negotiate their way to Russia.
After competing at the Confederations Cup in June failing to return to Russia next summer would be a major blow for the Australians would be a massive blow to a country that now expects to be on the big stage.
Although Syria are the next opponents the ‘away’ tie will be in Malaysia with the return leg in Sydney next Tuesday.
Previewing the Syria matches The World Game commented: “There is no question that from a perspective of pure skill and flair Rogic is the finest and most exciting member of the Socceroos, the kind of player who can win a match on his own with a stroke of genius.
“Watching him languidly and unhurriedly glide past opponents or effortlessly finding the net with a shot from his decorated left foot – his right foot is almost as deadly – is a sight to warm the hearts of even the most discerning fans.
“Rogic is now an established player in the Socceroos and Celtic set-ups because his respective coaches Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers see him as a man who can make all the difference in tight games. They must feel he is the ultimate match winner.
“Yet Rogic’s eye-catching game is not flawless mainly because he does not appear to have the biggest of engines.
“Several observers in Australia and in Scotland believe he is not a 90-minute player: In fact he often does not last a full game for the Scottish champions.
“If his physical qualities matched his technical ability he probably would be unplayable … in this part of the world anyway.
“Rogic missed the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup due to injuries but he has come back strongly from such heartbreaking experiences that would have broken the spirit of many footballers.
“So this campaign for Russia provides him with the chance of finally and deservedly playing on a big stage.
“There can be no better incentive than the double date with Syria for Rogic to remove any concerns about his overall game with a masterful and highly influential performance that hopefully will lead to a Socceroos victory.”
It will take Rogic’s A game to get past Syria and a CONCACAF play-off- hopefully Celtic get a spin off with the midfielder adding to his many vital goals scored under Brendan Rodgers.
