The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is now less than a week away and as part of our countdown to the tournament, we are profiling every Australian player who's been to a FIFA World Cup.
Today we continue the countdown with James Troisi, part of Australia’s 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil.
READ: FIFA World Cup Countdown for the Caltex Socceroos
Cap number: 511
World Cups played at: 2014
Position: Attacking midfielder
Age at World Cup: 25 (currently 29)
Clubs: Newcastle United, Genclerbirligi, Kayserispor, Atlanta, Melbourne Victory, Juventus, Zulte Wagerem, Al-Ittihad, Liaoning Whowin
Best World Cup moment: With Australia trailing Chile 2-1 in their opening fixture of the 2014 World Cup, Ange Postecoglou unleashed Troisi on the 78th minute mark as the Caltex Socceroos looked to make a strong second half showing count.
Although they were unable to scramble an equalising goal and eventually lost 3-1, Troisi and Australia could hold their heads high after going toe-to-toe with the South American heavyweights.
Troisi also earned 30 minutes off the bench in the final group game against Spain.
Career highlight: Troisi boasts a glimmering club CV having spent time with the likes of Juventus and Newcastle United, but the midfielder’s undoubted career highlight arrived in the 2015 Asian Cup Final on home soil against South Korea.
With the scores locked at 1-1, Troisi came on as a second half substitute for Robbie Kruse and notched the winning goal in the first period of extra time, firing home a rebound after South Korean goalkeeper Jin-hyeon Kim had parried Tomi Juric’s cross from the byline.
Post-playing career: Troisi is still plying his trade for Melbourne Victory and secured the Hyundai A-League Championship with Kevin Muscat’s men in 2017/18.
Did you know? Troisi was born in Adelaide to a Greek mother and Italian father.