When Alex Brosque made his first cameo appearance of this FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, he wasn’t to know that one year later he’d be featuring as one of Australia’s key men.
When Alex Brosque made his first cameo appearance of this FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, he wasn-t to know that one year later he-d be featuring as one of Australia-s key men.
Brosque was brought in from the international wilderness by Qantas Socceroos coach Holger Osieck for last year-s opening qualifier against Thailand at Brisbane Stadium.
Having last played for Australia in 2006, Brosque was charged with salvaging what looked a dire situation for the home side, who had trailed the visiting Thai-s 1-0 with thirty minutes to play.
History will show that Brosque scored Australia-s second after Josh Kennedy-s equaliser, which ultimately secured three crucial FIFA World Cup qualification points for the Qantas Socceroos.
At the time, some thought Brosque-s match winner would mark the high point of his international career, but, with full credit to the 28-year-old, he has gone from strength to strength in green and gold.
“I-m very excited, the past twelve months have been a real blur for me and the way things have gone, I couldn-t have imagined,” said Brosque.
“Having been involved in all the camps and in most of the games for the first round of qualifying and now to be here about to start the second round, I-m excited to be here.
“I-m hoping that I can contribute in whatever way and to make sure we get the three points and ultimately end up in Brazil, which is what everyone wants and definitely myself personally, would be a dream of mine.”
Brosque-s mobility and versatility will be key assets for Osieck at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex tomorrow evening.
After leading the line alongside Harry Kewell in Copenhagen, Brosque is likely to figure again against Oman.
“I think, taking that (weather conditions) away, we definitely know the threat that they (Oman) pose,” said Brosque.
“They beat us here, 1-0 last time in what was a very difficult match and I just think we have to be ready for that again.
“They-re going to play a similar style, try to frustrate us and try and get us on the counter attack and then I think if they can get a goal, sit back.
“I just think we have to be patient, with or without the ball, obviously because of the heat and then, if we get chances, try and punish them, make sure we take them and look to just keep the pressure on them for as long as we can.”
The Qantas Socceroos begin their final phase of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a clash against Oman in Muscat on Friday, 8 June. Kick off is at 5pm local time. (Kick off is at 11pm AEST).
Soon after, the Qantas Socceroos will host Japan in their first home fixture of the fourth stage of Asia-s FIFA World Cup qualification process on Tuesday, 12 June at Brisbane-s Suncorp Stadium. Kick off is at 8pm.