Tom Rogic believes nerves may have contributed to the Caltex Socceroos’ first-up 3-2 loss to Germany at the Confederations Cup.
Australia started slowly and were forced to chase the game after falling behind inside the opening five minutes and again just before half time.
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NERVY START IN SOCHI
“Maybe in our first game there were a few nerves in the first half,” the Caltex Socceroos playmaker told SBS.
“But we grew into the game and kept the ball for longer periods in the second half and had a little bit more control.
“We have to build on that moving forward.”
ANGE’S SIMPLE INSTRUCTION
Rogic says the half-time message from coach Ange Postecoglou was a simple one.
“Just to play a lot better than we were,” said Rogic.
“We had good moments through the game but we made it hard for ourselves when you look at the times we conceded.
“The five minutes just before half-time once we got back into it and then again just after [half-time].
“We were always chasing them but we’ll pick ourselves up and move onto the next one.”
NO TIME TO CELEBRATE
Rogic scored his seventh international goal to level the scores late in the first half, firing home from just outside the penalty area with his lethal left foot.
“It’s pleasing to score but in the end it doesn’t count for too much,” he shrugged.
“It’s hard to enjoy it too much.”
The Caltex Socceroos next meet African champions Cameroon in St Petersburg on Friday.