Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic has his sights set on a 2010 World Cup berth but admits he’s not in career-best form.
Galekovic, who’s conceded 22 goals this season, says performing well for Adelaide United is his current focus but earning a place in the Qantas Socceroos’ touring squad to South Africa remains in the back of his mind.
“It’s not something I think about all the time. The only thing I can worry about is my next game and all the boys know Pim is watching and the assistant coaches are watching,” he said.
Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar also thinks his goalkeeper should be involved in the World Cup and went into bat for Galekovic after his match-saving efforts against Brisbane Roar last week.
“I’ll certainly be pumping up his tyres for Pim, to make sure that he gets into that World Cup squad, I think he’s been in outstanding form for two-and-a-half years,” Vidmar said.
Galekovic is considered by many as the Hyundai A-League’s most reliable goalkeeper and was the Reds’ club champion last season after his sterling efforts in the Asian Champions League and the domestic competition.
The 28-year-old has remained a steady part of United’s defence but says the team’s up and down year to date rests partly on his shoulders.
“I’m the goalkeeper and we are in last spot so I can’t say it’s been too good,” Galekovic said in response to a question about his form.
“Usually you are a bit higher on the ladder but you can tell how sharp you are, your reflexes and all that but like I said we are not going too well as a team so it doesn’t really look too good.”
“But if you look at my last two years you’d probably say it’s probably been the highlight of my career.”
Galekovic was thrown a new challenge last week when Vidmar dropped experienced defenders Mark Rudan and Robbie Cornthwaite.
It gave him a new defensive team to work with but the former Victory player wasn’t complaining.
“It’s not up to me, that’s the coaching staff decision and I can’t really talk about that. But in the end it worked we got the result and that’s the main thing,” he said.
