Sasa Ognenovski thought his Socceroos career was over. Instead, the giant centre-back gets the chance to make a well-timed run towards a maiden World Cup finals appearance.
The 34-year-old admits he could be the only Australian beneficiary of the Socceroos’ woeful display against Oman in March’s 2-2 draw which showed up a host of defensive frailties.
What followed was a surprise SOS from coach Holger Osieck to shore up the centre of defence for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan in Saitama on Tuesday night.
Ognenovski says he won’t let his second chance slip.
“Obviously missing two or three camps and the boys doing a decent job, I thought maybe my time was up,” he admitted.
“I was called up to the national team on a regular basis. Then all of a sudden, you’re out.
“It gives you that feeling you shouldn’t take anything for granted, and everything’s earnt.
“If we’d played better defensively against Oman, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here. It’s given me another opportunity that I’m sure I’ll take.”
Osieck looks set to rush Ognenovski straight into the starting line-up alongside skipper Lucas Neill – reprising their central defensive pairing which took the Socceroos to the 2011 Asian Cup final.
A late bloomer having made his Socceroos debut after the 2010 World Cup campaign, Ognenovski brings an Asian aura like few other Australians.
He is the only Australian ever to be named Asian footballer of the year, for his heroics with Korean club Seongnam Ilhwa in guiding them to the 2010 Asian Champions League title.
Now playing for Umm Salal in Qatar, he believes reuniting with Neill can help Australia through their three World Cup qualifiers and win automatic qualification for Brazil.
“It’s vitally important, not only the defensive unit, but how the team defends as a unit,” Ognenovski said of the match against Japan.
“With Lucas back and myself, hopefully we can bring some experience, communication and some steely resolve as well.
“We’re going out to win. A draw is a good result, especially away from home against Japan.
“But we’re definitely going in with a winning mentality. If you go in to draw, you’re going to lose.”
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