While the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ is reaching the business end in Russia, clubs are beginning their pre-season friendlies with a number of Aussies starring in matches over the weekend.
Former Adelaide United defender Ben Garuccio scored a stunner for his new club Hearts while Melbourne City loanee Denis Genreau produced some acrobatics to get on the scoresheet for PEC Zwolle.
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It’s all in our Aussies Abroad wrap.
GARUCCIO STARS FOR HEARTS
The ex-Reds left-back is making a good impression in Scotland, scoring a screamer as Hearts beat fellow SPL outfit Partick Thistle 3-1.
In a match that also featured fellow Aussies Oliver Bozanic and Ryan Edwards, Garuccio opened the scoring inside two minutes.
The 23-year-old hit a rocket from 25-yards out to kick-start a great showing from Hearts, who also had Olly Lee score a brace.
GENREAU’S ACROBATIC STRIKE FOR ZWOLLE
Melbourne City teenager Denis Genreau – on loan at Dutch club PEC Zwolle – produced a moment of audacious skill in his side’s 5-0 friendly win over FC Dalfsen.
Genreau demonstrated his undoubted talent with a spectacular scissor kick from the edge of the box which sailed over the keeper and in.
WATCH GENREAU’S CRACKER BELOW
It was the 19-year-old’s second goal in the pre-season since linking up with former City boss John van ‘t Schip at Zwolle.
Genreau has signed a one-year loan deal with the Dutch Eredivisie outfit.
EX-SKY BLUE BAGS A BRACE
Former Sydney FC striker John Iredale is making an impact in the Netherlands, scoring a double for SC Heerenveen in a friendly against SC Stiens.
The 18-year-old scored both goals in the second half as Heerenveen cruised to a 12-0 drubbing against the Dutch amateur side.
Iredale – who played for the Sky Blues’ youth team – is hoping to progress from Heerenveen’s U19 side to the first team in 2018/19.