Joe Gauci says he’s extremely proud to represent Australia at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar this January.
Gauci admits that his inclusion in the 26-man squad is something he’s been working towards since receiving his first official call up in March this year, and while he doesn’t know what his role in the team will be, he is ready to give 100{9316bdc8926ea12fd3218e9df0be06a03991e545af91e98c723bc822f5d4d102}.
Speaking to AUFC Media following the news, the goalkeeper discussed his pride in receiving the call, his experience with the Socceroos and how he plans to take his Adelaide United form to the national stage.
Joe Gauci on making the Socceroos’ 26-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup:
“It’s a very, very proud moment for myself, you know, something that I’ve been aiming towards. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t aiming towards it. Since being in the squad in November, there was talk of the Asian Cup. And it was for me to come back to Adelaide and just knuckle down and focus on my performances and hopefully do well enough to get the call up, which I’ve been able to do. So, a very proud moment for myself. At the start of the year, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be in the position that I am now. I’m very grateful.”
Joe Gauci on how his previous experience with the Socceroos has helped him:
“You get to know the players, the staff and other coaches. It’s a very familiar feeling from camp to camp. It’s easier to go in a bit more settled, and I’m probably not as nervous. And you know, just going in with confidence as well, to represent my country and do the job.”
Joe Gauci on what his role in the team will be and his potential to start:
“That’s not something that I’ve thought about. My role is to go in and represent my country, whether that’s on the field or off the field. Give it 100{9316bdc8926ea12fd3218e9df0be06a03991e545af91e98c723bc822f5d4d102} every training session, every game and to wear the coat of arms with pride. So, whatever my role is within the Asian Cup, I will be giving 100{9316bdc8926ea12fd3218e9df0be06a03991e545af91e98c723bc822f5d4d102}.”
Joe Gauci on who he’s looking forward to seeing in camp:
“It would be good to see a good mate Kusini Yengi. A former teammate here. We roomed together in the last camp and we played against each other a few times growing up here in Adelaide, so it’s good to see some South Australians make the squad.”
Joe Gauci on his start to the season at Adelaide United:
“It’s been a good start. But you know, results of late haven’t been where we want them to be. And that is the most important thing. You know, for me, it’s all about winning, and I’d love a quiet game with no saves, three points and a clean sheet. The most important thing is the results. I’ve made some saves in some key moments, yes, but at the end of the day, I’m all about results. And you know, trying to keep the ball out the back of the net.”
Australia have been drawn into Group B for the tournament and will face India, Syria and Uzbekistan in the Group Stage; with selected players to assemble in Abu Dhabi from Monday, 1 January for a tournament pre-camp.
Fans can watch the Subway Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 campaign on Network 10 and Paramount+.
