Insisting that Celtic star Tom Rogic was called up early to Australia’s squad for the Asian Cup didn’t pay off for the Socceroos this weekend after they were beaten in their opening match by Jordan.
Manager Graham Arnold did not allow Rogic to take part in the recent derby with Rangers at Ibrox, demanding that he make the trip to join up with his compatriots following our recent win away to Aberdeen.
It was a decision that both Rogic and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers disagreed with and it appears to have backfired on the Aussie national team boss.
However, Rogic did not cover himself in glory either, receiving sharp criticism from Australian supporters for his poor performance in the tournament opener.
The 26-year-old played the entire 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat, missing chances and frustrating fans. Australia will now have to pick up results and Palestine and Syria to progress further in the tournament.
These supporters took to Twitter on Sunday to discuss Rogic’s performance…
Disappointed with Rogic. Hasn’t stepped up at national level. Needed him tonight to fire but no such luck #AsianCup2019
— M (@Moses2010W) January 6, 2019
This has been Tom Rogic’s worst game for the @Socceroos ever. What does he think this is, Mickey Mouse football?
— andy ruzyon (@andyruzyon) January 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/SharpSalah/status/1081895097799651328
Rogic has failed to impose himself on the game. Disappointing, he’s such a talented guy, but just drifts in and out of games. #AUSvJOR
— ValBoy (@valboyy) January 6, 2019
Tom Rogic needs to stop taking pointless shots from 30 yards out. Wastes possession when we’re chasing the game.
— Jay 🇮🇹🇦🇺 (@Jay_Vee_23) January 6, 2019
How bad is Rogic for the national team? Not even worth being named in the squad.
— Brendon Vella (@BrendonVella4) January 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/dawber_m/status/1081906634048192512
As the game stretched on, and Rogic inevitably faded as he always does, his lack of movement exasperated this problem. Luongo was not particularly ambitious either, perhaps playing too closely to the 6 brief ordered by GA. Irvine was lively, but is limited. The ranks are bare.
— Evan Morgan Grahame (@Evan_M_G) January 7, 2019
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