Eugene Galekovic’s World Cup dream has come true, with the Reds’ captain named in the 23-man Socceroos squad 23-man squad for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil.
Adelaide United FC goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic-s World Cup dream has come true, with the Reds- captain named in the 23-man Socceroos squad for the FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil.
Head Coach Ange Postecoglou today revealed the 23 players that will represent Australia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Galekovic is one of three goalkeepers who made the squad, selected along Mathew Ryan, Mitch Langerak, while former Red keeper Mark Birighitti was one of the unlucky players to miss out.
Playing every minute in the Reds- Hyundai A-League 2013/14 campaign, Galekovic was a standout between the posts, as he has been since the first time he took the field for Adelaide United midway through the 2007/08 season.
Speaking exclusively to the Club from Brazil, the Reds- captain was ecstatic to be appearing at his second World Cup.
“This is the greatest feeling, one (World Cup) is a dream, but to make two is something all footballers live for,” said Galekovic from Vitoria, Brazil.
“I know I-ve had a good season; a season where I want to thank the coach (Josep Gombau) and my goalkeeper coach (Peter Blazincic), who have helped me get here.
“These last couple of weeks have been tough, the intensity levels have been very high, but it has made for great preparation. I just can-t wait for it to start.”
The 32 year old reeled off a remarkable 102 saves this season, the most of any keeper in the league and kept 8 clean sheets, highlighting his class and reputation as one of Australia-s best keepers
The squad will be captained by midfielder Mile Jedinak with Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano and Mark Milligan becoming the first Australian football players to represent the Socceroos at three World Cup tournaments following the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.
The Socceroos squad is made up of three goalkeepers, six defenders, 10 midfielders and four strikers with seven of the 23 players currently playing in the Hyundai A-League.
The four unlucky players to miss out on the final squad are Mark Birighitti, Josh Kennedy, Tom Rogic and Luke Wilkshire.
SOCCEROOS 23-MAN SQUAD FOR THE 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL
Oliver BOZANIC
Mark BRESCIANO
Tim CAHILL
Jason DAVIDSON
Ivan FRANJIC
Eugene GALEKOVIC
Ben HALLORAN
James HOLLAND
Mile JEDINAK
Mitchell LANGERAK
Mathew LECKIE
Massimo LUONGO
Ryan McGOWAN
Matt McKAY
Mark MILLIGAN
Tommy OAR
Mat RYAN
Matthew SPIRANOVIC
Adam TAGGART
James TROISI
Dario VIDOSIC
Alex WILKINSON
Bailey WRIGHT
