Coach Ange Postecoglou says Tom Rogic owed Australia some magic after his spectacular winner kept alive the Socceroos’ automatic qualifying hopes for next year’s Russia World Cup finals.
The Celtic midfielder hit a thunderous strike to give the Australians a 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in Adelaide on Thursday to join Japan and the Saudis at the top of Asia Group B.
Rogic launched a long-range left-foot volley that powered into the net in the 64th minute to cap a brilliant month for the gifted 24-year-old.
The player is making a habit of scoring eye-catching winners and it was his stoppage time goal that delivered Celtic a 2-1 win over Aberdeen to lift the Scottish Cup and seal a historic domestic treble late last month.
Postecoglou said he was envious while watching Rogic score match-winners for the Scottish giants, and admitted he often wondered when he was going to do it for his country.
“We have said on the coaches’ bench a few times, it’s great watching him doing it for Celtic — but he owed us one,” Postecoglou told reporters.
“He’s a hell of a player and the best is ahead of him, no doubt about that.”
Rogic has soaked up the adulation and reflected on a marvellous chapter in his fledgling football career.
“It’s been fantastic. Coming into camp is always a different set-up and it’s always a proud moment,” Rogic said.
“So coming in off the back of obviously a good season and a successful one where you are in a winning culture and you get used to winning trophies helped here.
“So it’s good to come in and we’ve got an important one ahead (Japan) and we now focus on the next game.”
The Socceroos, who have qualified for last three editions of the World Cup, face a huge game against Japan in Saitama on August 31.
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