It is instructive that six weeks ago, when Ajdin Hrustic injured his ankle playing for his club in Italy, Australia’s World Cup aspirations seemingly suffered a significant setback. Out with the 26-year-old’s damaged ligament went the team’s attacking x-factor, the main man who could be relied upon to create against tough group opposition.
The fact that the Socceroos are already on the verge of the round of 16 and did it all without him (and injured winger Martin Boyle), says a lot about the squad’s output in Qatar in comparison to the expectations. But that does not mean Hrustic cannot still have a substantial say against Denmark on Wednesday night (Thursday 2am AEDT).
