Ageing playmaker Mark Bresciano has been summoned into the Socceroos squad in the clearest signal yet he wants to extend his career into next year’s Asian Cup.
The 34-year-old will replace injured Sydney FC midfielder Terry Antonis in Australia’s squad for next month’s friendlies against Belgium and Saudi Arabia.
Antonis strained a hamstring in an A-League pre-season match against Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou wanted to use the looming internationals as opportunities for younger players to press their claims for Australia’s next tournament – the Asian Cup on home soil next January.
But Antonis’ injury prompted Postecoglou to again turn to evergreen Bresciano, who has so far remained non-committal about playing the Asian Cup.
“It is a shame for Terry because we were looking forward to getting him into the Socceroos camp and giving him an opportunity,” Postecoglou said in a statement on Friday.
“Mark Bresciano will come into the squad, which certainly adds quality and experience for what will be two tough matches.”
Bresciano, a veteran of 77 internationals, will be Australia’s most-capped player in the 20-man squad for friendlies against world No.5 Belgium in Liege on September 4 and Saudi Arabia in London four days later.
Fellow 34-year-old Tim Cahill (71 caps) is also in the squad – one of only four players with more than 30 internationals, along with Bresciano, Carl Valeri (50 caps) and captain Mile Jedinak (47 caps).
Bresciano battled back and hip injuries in the World Cup in June – his third consecutive appearance at editions of soccer’s showpiece event.
But Bresciano still produced classy cameos which convinced Postecoglou the creative midfielder would be a welcome weapon in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign.
“If he makes himself available and his form is good, then he is definitely one that we’ll select,” Postecoglou said a day after the end of Australia’s World Cup in Brazil.
bobbym
Guest
Rogic is a crock will end back playing Canberra within 2 years.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Good points Batou. I just think that since no-one else could execute a finish at the world cup, even when the ball was in the box, 10 minutes from Archie would have been worthwhile -- but possibly I'm dreaming. The Cup showed us that we were too old, too slow, and lacking in adaptability.
Batou
Guest
We've seen Archie turn out for the roos many times and have no need to see any more. He was ok in his hey day a few years ago but that time has come and gone. Age may not change his instincts but it does change his ability to execute and his pace. His form for the victory last season was certainly not the standard that I'd like to think is required to be selected for the national team
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
I had watched Bresciano in quite a few Socceroos' matches before the world cup, and was disappointed in his form -- the rare occasions he did anything seemed to involve passing the ball to the opposition, and when he came off injured in one match, the Socceroos immediately looked better. However, I was unaware of his achievements in the game in his earlier days, and I must say that at the world cup I was pleasantly surprised by his ability -- not blown away, but he was a very useful player, with the only drawback that he seemed unwilling to take an opportunity in front of goal -- this was the same with all the Socceros, though, apart from Tim Cahill, so it would be unfair to single him out. He is certainly worth sending out onto the paddock again -- but I would also still love to see Archie Thomson -- I think as an impact player he would have made a big difference to the Socceroos, because he is the most goal-oriented Australian player I have seen. Age doesn't change that.
magila cutty
Guest
I agree with his selection but because his form and class warrant it. No-one should get a gig on reputation alone whatever they may have achieved in the past.
Punter
Guest
Just trying to understand what he is so against?
Terry
Guest
the mini- you reply to my comments the whole time so what does that make you!!
The Minister
Guest
Why would you bother to reply to this sad tool? He clearly has no life.
Terry
Guest
Punter – 'be the change you wish to to see'. Who said these words of wisdom you ask. None other than Gandhi!!! Luke Wiltshire is the future. Breshi the past. Why play youngsters in the World Cup then go back to guys who are in their late 30's
Punter
Guest
Tezza, be for something not against it!!!!
Terry
Guest
Over the hill and overrated.
JonJax
Guest
Huge fan- but a Socceroo, for whatever reason , Whether due to injury- back, or illness -middle ear infection, never really fulfilled his true potential at the three World Cups he participated in. 2006 was his opportunity to shine on the World Stage - just a little more quality service to "twinkle toes" Viduka and the Semi's beckoned. Ahh, what might have been! Still, tons of respect to Mark.
The Minister
Guest
Absolutely. Always over-shadowed by the likes of Viduka, Kewell, and Cahill. But somehow I think he preferred it that way anyway. He was never one to hog the limelight. If it were not for his instinctive, split second reaction to that loose ball in the Uruguay penalty box in 2005 who knows how that game would have ended up for Australia and the future of football in OZ as a whole. And that was just one important contribution among many others. He can play on in the NT until he drops or doesn't want to anymore as far as I'm concerned. Anyone calling to cull him from the squad has no respect for what he has done for the Socceroos and also for what he has left to offer.
RipEnke
Guest
Agree, all class. A-League clubs really have to get their act together in regards to player development, let's not kid ourselves that it's anything more in the grand scheme of things. For one scouting of youth is deplorable, I knew of a 16yr old playing senior football in the country, now he doesn't play anymore, there was a trick missed there and I'm sure there are others. No club other than CCM develope their own products (through the centre of excellence), all other clubs just hold trials for NSL players, they have not invested anything towards our youngsters. The FFA should provide some incentive to either playing youth or producing youth, at the moment it is more attractive to play a Ramsey than a youth. Even though long term it could be better, clubs are not adventurous enough, they would rather play mediocre journey men. I believe in autonomy, but I like incentives, which clubs can take advantage of or not.
whiskeymac
Guest
One of the best roos ever imo.