From Croatia to Roos
‘Special case’ Tim has tick of approval
The 32-man squad will be cut to 26 next week
GOALKEEPERS
Mat Ryan (Brighton and Hove Albion FC, England), Danny Vukovic (KRC Genk, Belgium), Brad Jones (Feyenoord, Holland), Mitch Langerak (Nagoya Grampus, Japan)
DEFENDERS
Aziz Behich (Bursaspor, Turkey), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos, Japan), Matthew Jurman HE has never set foot in Australia, but Croatia under-21 star Fran Karacic has declared he was committed to the Socceroos after his shock World Cup call-up.
Karacic looms as one of the most remarkable World Cup selection bolter stories, having never set food in Australia but vowed to give his all to the country that took in his family.
Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk is eyeing off the dashing, attack-minded Lokomotiva Zagreb defender for the problematic right-back position for Russia.
Karacic, 21, revealed that he rejected a Socceroos callup last June, with injury sparing the rattled youth a tough decision after also being selected by the Croatian (Suwon Bluewings, Korea), James Meredith (Millwall, England), Josh Risdon (Western Sydney), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland), Aleksandar Susnjar (FK Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic), Bailey Wright (Bristol City, England), Alex Gersbach (Lens, France), Fran Karacic (Lokomotiva Zagreb, Croatia), Josh Brillante (Sydney FC) senior national team in the same window.
But Karacic, whose dad was born in Sydney and grandad lived in Australia for more than 25 years, said there was no turning back.
“Yes, I’m coming,’’ Karacic told News Corp.
“It’s an honour to play for Australia, I’ll give my all and I’ll play and behave as if I’ve lived there my whole life.
“My grandad was down in Australia for almost 30 years until 2005 before returning to Croatia. Dad was born in Sydney but returned earlier, so through him I have citizenship.
“I’ve had an Australian passport my whole life and I always felt that one day I might play for Australia.
“I’ve never been to Australia. I’ve wanted to go but with football I’ve never had
MIDFIELDERS
Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa, England), Mark Milligan (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Robbie Kruse (Bochum, Germany), Jackson Irvine (Hull, England), Massimo Luongo (Queens Park Rangers, England), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield, England), Tom Rogic (Celtic, Scotland), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory). the chance.
“I understand if people think that (it’s unjust for an Australian-born player who misses out), but I’ll give everything and do my best and other people will decide who’s best for the role.
“I’ve followed the national team, there were some Croatian (heritage) players, some of whom played in Croatia. I’ve followed the results.
“It was my wish to play at a World Cup. I knew if I got the call-up, I wouldn’t hesitate. I feel super and I’m delighted with the call-up. It’s a great honour.”
Karacic was confident of making Australia’s final 23man squad.
“I think so. I have belief in myself, I’ve got rhythm, I’m healthy,’’ he said.
“It’s like I’m dreaming. To
ATTACKERS
Tim Cahill (Millwall, England), Tomi Juric (FC Luzern, Switzerland), Mattew Leckie (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan), Nikita Rukavytsya (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Jamie Maclaren (Hibernian, Scotland), Daniel Arzani (Melb City), Apostolos Giannou (AEK Larnaca, Cyprus). play in a World Cup is priceless. Not many people get to experience that.”
Karacic, who was identified by long-time Socceroos assistant Ante Milicic, opened up on the tug-of-war that unfolded a year ago when he was due to play in the Confederations Cup.
“I got two call-ups then I got injured and I wasn’t 100 per cent ready so I rejected both,’’ Karacic said.
“I accepted the (Croatia) U21 invite after that. But if I had a call-up from Australia earlier I would’ve gone straight away.
“Now I’ve been picked (by Australia). I’m going, it’s my choice, I’m happy.”
It is hoped he will loom as the solution to the Socceroos’ right-back woes which plagued them during the qualification process. TRUE BLUE: New Socceroos World Cup squad member Fran Karacic in action for Lokomotiva Zagreb. MAY 14 – Squad culled from 32 to 26 MAY 19 – Pre-camp starts in Antalya, Turkey JUNE 2 – Friendly against Czech Republic in Vienna, Austria JUNE 3 – Final 23-man squad named JUNE 10 – Final friendly versus Hungary in Budapest JUNE 11 – Arrive at their World Cup base in Kazan, Russia JUNE 16 – Opening World Cup game against France, Kazan (8pm AEST) JUNE 21 – Game 2 versus Denmark, Samara (10pm AEST) JUNE 27 – Game 3 versus Peru, Sochi (midnight AEST) VETERAN striker Tim Cahill’s dream World Cup swan song is alive, with Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk hinting his big-game experience could be telling.
A batch of fringe players will be sweating before Australia’s 32-man preliminary squad is culled by six.
Many players’ seasons are still going and there is an injury concern about No.1 striker Tomi Juric.
Dubbing Cahill a “special case”, Van Marwijk won’t be taking the 38-year-old to Russia for a send-off parade.
Cyprus-based Apostolos Giannou appears to be on standby for Juric and Jamie Maclaren has been rewarded for his five goals since joining Hibernian.
Japan-based Andrew Nabbout is also an option in attack. Van Marwijk is a fan of his bustling, explosive style.
One striker is set to be cut before the camp in Antalya, Turkey, starts on May 19. Another is likely to be among the exclusions when the official 23man World Cup squad is named by June 3.
“I cannot choose six strikers. But I need two or three,” Van Marwijk said yesterday.
“I have to make a choice in the end about the strikers, and it will not be easy, but that’s why I’m here. I’m not afraid of that, and he (Cahill) is a special case. He is a player who can make a difference. He will not be nervous if we play in front of 80,000 people.
“Everyone knows the special case of Tim Cahill; he is special in everything. He is 38 and maybe one of the best ever players for Australia.
“He (hasn’t played much), maybe five or 10 or 20 minutes. I have to take a decision whether to take him to the (World Cup).”
The other positions set to culled next week are goalkeeper (Mitch Langerak missed the March camp), right back (Josh Brillante or Josh Risdon with Van Marwijk signalling that smoky Fran Karacic would go to Turkey), left back (James Meredith or Alex Gersbach), centre back and attack.
The Dutchman said the camp, which includes games against Czech Republic in Austria on June 2 and Hungary (June 10, Budapest), would be critical to his preparation for his “only focus”, the June 16 opener against France.