Returned star Mark Bresciano shapes as the missing piece of Australia’s midfield puzzle as the Socceroos aim for a third straight World Cup appearance in Brazil in 2014.
The 32-year-old midfielder delighted coach Holger Osieck with his impressive display in his first match in national colours since a self-imposed absence following the 2010 World Cup.
A key member of the last two World Cup campaigns, Bresciano had a big influence on Wednesday night’s 4-2 comeback win over Saudi Arabia at AAMI Park, setting up two of his team’s goals.
Reluctant to single out players, Osieck had high praise for Bresciano’s first game under his reign.
“Mark was definitely the game-dominating element in midfield,” Osieck said.
The scorer of 11 goals in 58 Socceroos appearances, Bresciano has spent a large part of his career in Italy’s Serie A but now plays with United Arab Emirates club Al Nasr.
He said in the match lead-up, he felt physically and mentally refreshed by his 20-month Socceroos break and, once he returned to the Socceroos camp, it felt like he had never left.
The veteran also played that way, with his clever movement and quick, precise passing a key in the Socceroos’ attacking moves.
Asked if Bresciano could be the answer to a “creative puzzle” Osieck had in filling the attacking midfield positions, he replied: “Yes”.
Asked to elaborate, Osieck said: “You got the precise answer. I’m not juggling around with what you said. I say yes, that can be the one.”
Osieck said while Bresciano had not previously played under him, he had seen him play in the World Cup and, since taking over as Australia’s coach, watched many DVDs of him, so he was not surprised by his performance.
“He brings all the quality and all the ingredients to play his role very efficiently,” the coach said.
Striker Alex Brosque, who scored two goals and was a beneficiary of Bresciano’s sharp lead-up work, said he appreciated having the veteran behind him.
“I don’t think I’ve been on the field out there before at the same time as him,” Brosque said.
“He’s a very quality player; you saw it. He said after the game that he missed being a part of it and missed being in camp with the boys.
“So it’s definitely good to have him back around. He’s a special player.”
