Ognenovski eyes Soceroos comeback
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 2:48 pm
AUSTRALIAN defender Sasa Ognenovski admits it was disappointing to miss out on a spot in the World Cup squad, but is eyeing next year’s Asian Cup in Qatar and targeting continental glory with Seongnam.
The 31-year-old dual-nationality Macedonian was in solid form heading into selection for South Africa, but Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek left the former A-League defender out of his squad.
An earlier snub by Verbeek had forced Ognenovski to give up on his dream and consider representing Macedonia instead. However he didn't and is still available to play for Australia.
With Verbeek's departure, the 195cm defender is now upbeat about his chances for the 2011 Asian Cup and an Australia call-up.
"It was extremely disappointing given that my form had been pretty solid but that's life and better players then me have missed out on World Cups," he told the-afc.com.
"I have always been ready to represent Australia but just never had the opportunity," he said. "I would love to get the chance to represent my country at the Asian Cup in January."
With the retirement of veteran defender Craig Moore, Ognenovski may get his chance in Qatar with a new manager set to take charge of the Socceroos.
But Ognenovski has more pressing concerns as Seongnam skipper with his side in the final eight of the Asian Champions League.
Seongnam faces a struggling Suwon side in September, which is languishing at the bottom of the K-League ladder with two wins from 11.
The Melbourne-born defender is unsure why Suwon is struggling domestically, given its fine continental form.
"I have played against Suwon twice in the K-League, winning one and drawing one and we played in the FA Cup final which we lost on penalties," Ognenovski said.
He added: "I'm not really too sure why Suwon are struggling domestically...maybe their style of play suits Asia more than the K-League."
Brazilian forward Jose Mota has been a key in the Bluewings' winning run with nine goals in six games.
Ognenovski believes "containing" Mota, on loan from Norwegian side Molde FK, will be vital.
The former Adelaide United man also relived memories of the Reds' amazing run to the final in 2008.
He added: "One of the high points was being part of the first Australian team getting to the final. It was much harder getting through the group stage then as you had to finish top of the group.
"The high point of this campaign is obviously making it to the final eight and as for the low points...none to speak of as yet."
The 31-year-old dual-nationality Macedonian was in solid form heading into selection for South Africa, but Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek left the former A-League defender out of his squad.
An earlier snub by Verbeek had forced Ognenovski to give up on his dream and consider representing Macedonia instead. However he didn't and is still available to play for Australia.
With Verbeek's departure, the 195cm defender is now upbeat about his chances for the 2011 Asian Cup and an Australia call-up.
"It was extremely disappointing given that my form had been pretty solid but that's life and better players then me have missed out on World Cups," he told the-afc.com.
"I have always been ready to represent Australia but just never had the opportunity," he said. "I would love to get the chance to represent my country at the Asian Cup in January."
With the retirement of veteran defender Craig Moore, Ognenovski may get his chance in Qatar with a new manager set to take charge of the Socceroos.
But Ognenovski has more pressing concerns as Seongnam skipper with his side in the final eight of the Asian Champions League.
Seongnam faces a struggling Suwon side in September, which is languishing at the bottom of the K-League ladder with two wins from 11.
The Melbourne-born defender is unsure why Suwon is struggling domestically, given its fine continental form.
"I have played against Suwon twice in the K-League, winning one and drawing one and we played in the FA Cup final which we lost on penalties," Ognenovski said.
He added: "I'm not really too sure why Suwon are struggling domestically...maybe their style of play suits Asia more than the K-League."
Brazilian forward Jose Mota has been a key in the Bluewings' winning run with nine goals in six games.
Ognenovski believes "containing" Mota, on loan from Norwegian side Molde FK, will be vital.
The former Adelaide United man also relived memories of the Reds' amazing run to the final in 2008.
He added: "One of the high points was being part of the first Australian team getting to the final. It was much harder getting through the group stage then as you had to finish top of the group.
"The high point of this campaign is obviously making it to the final eight and as for the low points...none to speak of as yet."
