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The rise of teenage World Cup hopeful Tommy Oar is best exemplified by his memories of Australia’s historic 2006 campaign in Germany.
The 18-year-old winger was the bolter in the 31-man Socceroos preliminary World Cup squad named on Tuesday, continuing his meteoric rise in the game over the past 12 months.
But four years ago Oar was just a Queensland high-school student dreaming of emulating his heroes on the football field.
“Four years ago watching the World Cup with my brothers at home I never dreamt I would actually be involved in one of those tournaments,” Oar told AAP.”
“I’m not really putting too much pressure on myself to get into this team, I’m just going to camp and to try and learn as much as possible off all the experienced players that will be there.
“Whatever happens happens. If I don’t get into the team, I guess that gives me something to work towards over the next four years.”
Oar’s selection in the preliminary squad, which must be culled to 23 by June 1, was one of several youngsters who have been given the next few weeks to convince coach Pim Verbeek they’re worthy of a spot in South Africa.
Among the others were uncapped defender Shane Lowry (20), midfielder-striker James Holland (20), defender-midfielder Rhys Williams (21), striker Nikita Rukavytsya (22) and midfielder Dario Vidosic (23).
But it’s Oar’s story that has captivated fans since he made his debut for the Brisbane Roar in the 2009-10 A-League season.
Since then he’s made his Socceroos debut against Indonesia in March, won last season’s A-League young player of the year award and recently completed a move from the Roar to Dutch club FC Utrecht.
And if Oar can cap his rise with a World Cup berth then he’d relish a chance to compete against European champions and tournament favourites Spain.
He has Spanish bloodlines a couple of generations back on his father’s side.
“Spain has always been a team that I’ve followed quite closely when Australia haven’t qualified for the World Cup,” Oar said.
Another player who could be accused of split loyalties is Williams, who represented Wales at under-21 level and was even selected on the bench for a senior international against Poland early last year.
But despite the fact if he’d played in that game he’d have become ineligible to represent Australia, the Perth-born Williams says he’s 100 per cent committed to his nation these days.
“Everything happens for a reason and me not playing (senior football for Wales) was a godsend and I can’t explain how happy I am to be here,” Williams told AAP.
Although employed as a right back by Verbeek, Williams has established himself as a midfielder with English club Middlesbrough.
The second tier club, which was also once home to Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, has two other current squad members in another goalkeeper, Brad Jones and recently signed striker Scott McDonald.
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