Mooy tips a boilover
Socceroo inspired by Huddersfield fairytale
AARON Mooy says that all the sacrifices will be worth it once he runs out on to a heaving Kazan Arena to face powerhouse France in the Socceroos’ Russia 2018 opener.
Far from content just making the World Cup, Mooy says the Socceroos can defy most “experts” by causing a boilover and advancing from the group which also includes Denmark and Peru.
The midfield maestro is plotting to replicate a fairytale debut Premier League season with Huddersfield Town, who were “never in a rush” in their many David v Goliath battles.
Asked what emotions he’d feel walking out in front of a packed 45,000 crowd and a global TV audience of over 200 million, Mooy said: “If I make the field, just that it’s all worth it. All the hard yards, sacrifice. This is why you did it all, for moments like this.”
Huddersfield’s stunning survival, underpinned by a togetherness and collective fighting spirit, is the perfect template for the Socceroos heading into the clash with a rock-star France squad.
“At Huddersfield, we were never in a rush when we played the big teams,” Mooy said.
“The more time they’ve got with the ball, the more chances they’ll create.
“It’s totally different to last year in the Championship. “I learnt a lot.
“We were never expected to win or get a point against them.
“Just take your time and it upsets their rhythm a bit.
“There was lots of game like that for Huddersfield this season. It’s really tough, you don’t have the ball much, you’ve got to stay in the game, try and create some chances.
“You might not out-possess them, but when we get a chance we’d score.”
Mooy said the Socceroos could advance to the last 16.
“We’ve got to believe we can,” he said.
“Anything’s possible in football. If we play to our very best, I feel we’ve got a great chance.”