Socceroo striker Robbie Kruse says he felt a good performance was essential to demonstrate he was still worthwhile to the team.
The Bayer Leverkusen man turned heads in Sydney on Tuesday night’s performance in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers against Jordan. The Socceroos prevailed 5-1 with Kruse claiming three assists.
The 27-year-old returned to play the last 15 minutes against Tajikistan last week, but managed to get his first start since the 2015 Asian Cup Final where he accumulated an ankle injury.
Kruse opened up about the adversity he faced and how important it was to play well against the Jordanians.
“I really felt I had to put in a good performance today to remind people I can still play at the top level, I still have a lot of football left in me, so I hope I proved a lot of people I can play at this level,” Kruse said.
“It’s been a difficult time for me, mentally it’s quite tough sitting back and watching other people play in your position even though you wish them all the best.
“In the end it’s worth it when you get to play again tonight to wear the jersey again. A lot of people doubted whether I could come back to the level I was at, but I think I proved a lot of people wrong tonight and hopefully it’s only going to be upwards from here.
“I’m feeling a lot stronger mentally and physically from what I’ve been through in the last few years.”
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There was a scare for Kruse in the second-half against the Jordanians and social media erupted in condemnation towards Yousef Ahmad, who’s studs-up tackle caught Kruse’s left leg.
Despite Ahmad only receiving a yellow card, the Australian said he was almost in tears after the horrific tackle, but managed to pull up unharmed.
“I was shocked and panicking a lot. Almost crying there thinking of the worst, it’s hard to explain, was a similar feeling to what I had at the Asian Cup,” he said.
“I’m okay, the doctors so far have said it looks good, no damage. I’m hoping tomorrow I’ll wake up feeling well.”
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