All Whites coach says door still open for Marco Rojas
Victory star has not played for New Zealand since 2019 but Phillip Rollo says the drums are beating for a recall ahead of the World Cup playoff against Costa Rica.
All Whites coach Danny Hay says Marco Rojas needs to stand out in the A-League if he wants to be involved in their World Cup playoff.
He certainly did that on Friday, scoring a goal and setting up another to lead the in-form Melbourne Victory to a 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix in a dramatic game that saw three penalties awarded following VAR intervention.
The 30-year-old has not played for the All Whites since 2019 as injuries, border restrictions and club commitments have limited his involvement for much of Hay’s tenure, but the drums are beating for a recall.
Hay said he tried to take Rojas to Doha for the Oceania World Cup qualifying tournament last month, but Victory refused to release him.
The start of the tournament took place before the international window where clubs must release players and Victory were busy with Asian Champions League commitments at the time, travelling to Japan to take on Vissel Kobe.
‘‘We went to Melbourne Victory and they declined to release him and that’s just part and parcel of football,’’ Hay said.
The All Whites cruised through qualifying, beating the Solomon Islands 5-0 in the final to advance to the intercontinental playoff.
They will now play Costa Rica back in Doha on Wednesday, June 15, for a place at the World Cup and Hay said the door was still open for Rojas to be involved, having played in the past two intercontinental playoffs.
‘‘Marco Rojas has come into form. He’s playing well. It’s nice to see that,’’ Hay said.
‘‘The reality is the A-League players do have to do a little bit more. We do watch a lot of it but we understand it’s a big jump up to international football for them.
‘‘The fact that Marco is dominating in that league is a very positive sign for us.
‘‘We’re still keeping an open mind and if players are in good form then they will certainly be considered and Marco is definitely one of those players.’’
Victory coach Tony Popovic hailed Rojas’s contribution following their win over the Phoenix, but said he had not
spoken to his Kiwi star about his international ambitions.
Rojas set up the opening goal by squaring the ball to Nick D’Agostino after skipping clear down the right before popping up with a header to seal all three points with a goal of his own in the 78th minute.
‘‘A bit like the team, he has grown as the season has progressed,’’ Popovic said.
‘‘It took him until round 16 to play 90 minutes because he’s had a lot of injuries over the last couple of years . . .
‘‘But from the moment he played that first 90min game he’s got stronger and he’s contributing more consistently because his body is allowing that and his talent is there for all to see.
‘‘Marco has a real appetite for more at the moment and we’re happy with how he’s playing.’’
Rojas has six goals and six assists for the season and should come into consideration for the Johnny Warren Medal if he can lead the Victory to their first A-League title since 2018.
Friday’s win lifted Victory up to second on the table, one point behind leaders Melbourne City.