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Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy return to Socceroos squad for do-or-die World Cup playoffs

Marco MonteverdeNCA NewsWire
Aaron Mooy (left) and Tom Rogic are back in the Socceroos squad. Jono Searle
Camera IconAaron Mooy (left) and Tom Rogic are back in the Socceroos squad. Jono Searle Credit: News Corp Australia

Playmakers Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy have made timely returns to the Socceroos squad for Australia’s do-or-die World Cup playoffs next month.

Having both missed the final two matches of the Socceroos’ group campaign in March against Japan and Saudi Arabia, Rogic and Mooy have been named in Australia’s latest 29-man squad for the playoffs, which start with a June 8 (AEST) clash against the UAE in neutral Qatar.

Should the Socceroos win that match, they will progress to an intercontinental playoff against South American nation Peru on June 14 (AEST), also in Qatar., with the winner to qualify for the November-December World Cup.

“Our qualification journey for this year’s FIFA World Cup has been challenging, however the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward,” Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said.

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“Just like in 2017 and 2005 I have full belief that our boys will emerge through the play-off

system and seal Australia a place at the World Cup.

“The players, coaches, staff, their families, and our supporters have invested so much time, passion, and commitment into this qualification campaign, so we will be giving it 100 per cent over the next few weeks to ensure that the effort and sacrifices so many people have made over the past three years is rewarded in the best way possible.

“We have selected a large squad for this window for a few reasons, but first and foremost because so many of our players have been in great form for their clubs over recent months.

“Additionally, with several players set to enter the UAE match on yellow cards, we needed to ensure that we have cover in every area to ensure we’re not caught short at any time.”

Apart from the return of Rogic, who recently parted ways with Scottish giants Celtic, and China-based Mooy, the Socceroos also welcome back Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree Japan-based striker Adam Taggart, St Pauli midfielder Jackson Irvine, Sunderland defender Bailey Wright, Adelaide United attacker Craig Goodwin and Melbourne Victory left back Jason Davidson, who most recently represented Australia in 2015.

A notable absentee from the squad is Sydney FC right back Rhyan Grant, while others from the March squad who are missing this time are veteran Perth Glory striker Bruno Fornaroli, Melbourne City midfielder Connor Metcalfe, Melbourne Victory attacker Ben Folami and Belgium-based Jimmy Jeggo.

The Socceroos will warm up for their clash with the UAE with a friendly against Jordan on Thursday morning (AEDT).

“I heard Rale Rasic comment recently that the ‘Socceroos’ story is always a super story’, so in the 100th year of our national team there would be no better way for this group of players and staff to honour those that have come before them than by writing another proud chapter in the history books through FIFA World Cup qualification,” Arnold said.

Socceroos squad: Nathaniel Atkinson, Aziz Behich, Martin Boyle, Nick D’Agostino, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Kenny Dougall, Mitchell Duke, Denis Genreau, Craig Goodwin, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Fran Karacic, Joel King, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil. Jamie Maclaren, Riley McGree, Aaron Mooy, Andrew Redmayne, Tom Rogic, Kye Rowles, Mathew Ryan, Trent Sainsbury, Gianni Stensness, Adam Taggart. Marco Tilio, Danny Vukovic, Bailey Wright.

Originally published as Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy return to Socceroos squad for do-or-die World Cup playoffs

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