Brillante: Hyundai A-League return earned me World Cup chance
Sydney FC star Josh Brillante has credited his success with the Sky Blues as a key factor in his Socceroos selection for their pre-World Cup training camp in Turkey next month.
Brillante said he was thrilled to be heading into camp, following his first involvement under Socceroos Head Coach Bert van Marwijk in March, while he stated he’s not fazed with which position he plays following speculation he’d be involved at right back.
“My aim when I came back to Sydney FC was to work hard and obviously try and play well myself and as a club,” he said.
“We’ve had that success in the past couple of years and I think off the back of that that’s helped me get back into the Socceroos squad.
“I’m super excited to be named in the 26-man squad. The camp is going to be pretty awesome, there’s some fierce competition for spots so it’s going to be an intense couple of weeks of training leading up to the final 23.
“It’s great to see the former Sydney FC players [Matt Jurman and Danny Vukovic] in the camp too,” he continued.
“Last season I was playing with these guys and now to all be in different teams but come back together and play in the national team is quite awesome. It’ll be good to meet up with them again and get training.
“The vibe I got from the last camp was that Bert loves a good culture and atmosphere within the team, to not always be so serious, have a laugh and enjoy what you’re doing but also at the same time play some good football. I’m all about that and I think it’s going to be great.
“I’ve played in both positions [centre midfield and right back] over the years and had some great moments in both, so I’m happy wherever I am as long as I’m on the field playing.”
The two time Premiership winner said he was confident of making the final 23-player squad for the FIFA World Cup, vowing he’d be doing everything in training to earn selection.
“It’ll be good to have that couple of weeks all training together to get to know the system, how the coach wants to play, and learn off each other,” Brillante said.
“At the same time there’s a few positions pretty open so everyone will be training as hard as they can.
“I’m pretty confident of making the 23. If I train well and prepare myself in the next couple of weeks I feel I can be utilised in the squad.
“It’s hard to describe what it would mean to me to make the squad,” he continued.
“As a little boy you dream of these things, to make it to the world stage, it’s one of the biggest tournaments in the world, one of the biggest sports in the world, if I was to get on the pitch and play it’d be a dream come true. I’ll be doing everything I can to get there.”
Australia’s final list of 23 players is scheduled to be announced in Turkey on Sunday, 3 June. The squad will continue their build-up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ with a further friendly against Hungary in Budapest on Saturday, 9 June (local time).
The Caltex Socceroos’ pre-tournament camp in Antalya will commence on Sunday, 20 May 2018.
Sydney FC's night of nights the Sky Blue Ball in on Saturday 19 May at The Star, Sydney! Book your table now, or purchase gallery seating for only $25 and see your Sky Blue stars rewarded for all their achievements in 2017/18!