Penalty hero Vukovic toasts eventful Caltex Socceroos debut
Caltex Socceroos debutant Danny Vukovic says a combination of intuition and preparation was key to his dramatic late penalty save against Colombia.
CHECK HOW ROGIC COMPARED TO RODRIGUEZ
The KRC Genk goalkeeper went from zero to hero as he kept out Miguel Borja's spot-kick to earn Australia a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage.
Vukovic had tripped the same man in conceding the penalty, but his redeeming effort made for an extra special 33rd birthday.
"I was disappointed to give the penalty away but the main thing was I saved it in the end," Vukovic told Fox Sports.
"I just had a feeling he was going to go that way.
"Us three goalkeepers study a lot with Tony Franken the goalkeeping coach and it paid off this time."
The penalty save capped an eventful first 45 minutes in international football for the former Hyundai A-League star, who came on as a half-time substitute for Brad Jones.
It marked the end of Vukovic's long wait for a national team appearance having originally been called into Caltex Socceroos camp back in 2006.
"I've been waiting a long time and never given up. So happy. I can't really put it into words," he said.
"It's been a tough road but I'm playing some of my best football now, playing overseas and really enjoying myself.
"The next step is to try to get into the World Cup squad."