Resurgent Socceroo shines despite VAR and broadcast frustration

Josh Thomas

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Resurgent Socceroo shines despite VAR and broadcast frustration image

While VAR and poorly timed replays reared their heads on Thursday night, it was Tom Rogic who really stole the headlines as the Socceroos beat Vietnam 4-0 at AAMI Park. 

After failing to win their past three World Cup qualifiers, Australia needed to bounce back and did so in style with braces in either half. 

Rogic stood out from the start, though VAR and a recurring broadcast issue did their best to also steal some of the spotlight. 

Here's what we learned for the Socceroos' clash with Vietnam...

VAR spoils Socceroos' fast start

In desperate need of a win, the Socceroos did their best to begin the match with a bang and Rogic happily delivered inside 20 seconds of kick-off as he fired home from inside the box.

But any celebrations were short-lived as VAR flagged an offside Jackson Irvine, who the referee ultimately ruled had impeded the view of the goalkeeper. 

It's a call that wouldn't have been made before the introduction of VAR and a decision that some simply disagreed with. 

"I don't think at any point he (Irvine) did impede the goalkeeper. At no stage was he in direct line of Rogic," former Socceroo Mark Milligan said during the match. 

After having an early goal rubbed out, Australia would then labour in front of goal as Vietnam asked plenty of questions of their own in a nervy first half hour.  

 


 

Maclaren steps up on his own turf

As doubts started to creep in about the Socceroos' ability to find the back of the net against Vietnam, Melbourne City striker Jamie Maclaren headed home the opener in the 30th minute. 

Doubts have swirled around Maclaren himself and whether he is the man to lead the line for Australia as they try to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. 

He hadn't scored for the green and gold since June 2021, failing to find the back of the net in his past three national team appearances. 

But Maclaren's latest goal was a timely one as it set the Socceroos up for a much-needed win and could well cement his spot as their starting striker moving forward. 

 


 

Replay ruins Rogic goal but Celtic star back to his unstoppable best

While Maclaren got his goal, it was Rogic who really stole the show on Thursday night. 

Despite having his early strike ruled out, the Celtic midfielder remained a constant threat as he made defence-splitting passes, set-up Maclaren's opener and chipped home the Socceroos' second with real composure on the cusp of half-time. 

Much like the Matildas' second goal against Philippines earlier this week, Rogic's goal wasn't shown live as the broadcast once again got carried away with replays. 

 


 

 


 

While there were some valid questions asked about the missed action, there was no doubting that Rogic is back to his best form. 

The 29-year-old has been enjoying a resurgent season at club level with Celtic under former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou and that form is now starting to show on the international stage.

With World Cup qualifying heating up, Australia is in desperate need of players like Rogic stepping up when it counts and the current signs are suggesting he's ready to do just that. 

Josh Thomas