Fresh from touching down in Adelaide after his Socceroos journey in South Africa, Adelaide United’s Eugene Galekovic already has his sights set on the next world stage in Brazil in four years’ time.
While Galekovic didn’t play in South Africa, the sheer experience of the tournament has whet the appetite of United’s custodian and he is eyeing off the number one spot which has long been held down by Mark Schwarzer, who at the age of 37 may have played in his last World Cup.
“That’s my next aim, hopefully (in) four years I can do it again in Brazil,” he said.
“It was what I expected, unbelievable. It was a great experience just to be with the boys, and train with the boys and go through a World Cup.”
“Who knows if Schwarzy is going to be around and the number one spot might be up for grabs.”
Galekovic conceded that remaining in the A-League may make his goal difficult and a move abroad will greatly increase his chances in securing the lead role in goal for the Socceroos in Brazil.
However, he faces the issue of not having a working visa and his prospects of a move to Europe are near impossible without it.
“I always have been keeping an eye on that (transferring overseas),” he said.
“There’s probably a lot better chance if I’m playing overseas. Obviously I’m here now but if something does come I’m going to have to look at it because I want to play in another World Cup, or be involved in another World Cup.”
“But for me, the circumstances are hard because I don’t have a Visa and it’s hard to get one. If the chance does come along then I definitely have to look at it. The club knows that and they’ve been good about it.”
The dual A-League Goalkeeper of the Year admitted his inclusion in the Socceroos squad was bittersweet after initially being left out of the final 23.
Galekovic was granted place in the squad at the eleventh hour after original third choice keeper, Brad Jones from Middlesbrough, pulled out to be with his four-year-old son who was diagnosed with leukaemia.
“I was there as a fourth choice in case anything happened to any of the boys,” he said.
“I was the change if there was an injury but for it to happen like it did it was shocking news. All the boys were devastated. It was definitely bittersweet.”
The Reds’ No.1 said the experience in working alongside Australia’s most decorated shot-stopper, Schwarzer, was invaluable and labelled the 78-cap veteran a complete professional.
“He’s very encouraging and talks to the players a lot and just the way he goes about things. Also, what he does on and off the pitch he’s a true professional,” he said.
