Socceroos playmaker Ajdin Hrustic has some “unfinished business” to take care of at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after making a successful return to the national team.
Having missed Australia’s previous 11 matches, including the Socceroos’ entire Asian Cup campaign, Hrustic was back in the green and gold in Thursday night’s 2-0 win over Lebanon at CommBank Stadium.
After being named among the substitutes, he entered the contest in the 42nd minute as a replacement for the injured Jordan Bos.
Hrustic’s class was immediately evident in a Socceroos side that had lacked a creative spark in his absence.
“It’s been a long time – I’ve missed it,” the 27-year-old Dandedong product said.
Injuries and a lack of first-team football at his previous club, Italian top-flight outfit Hellas Verona, had led to Hrustic’s Socceroos hiatus.
However, his move last month to Dutch club Heracles has meant regular football and a subsequent Socceroos recall.
“It hasn’t been easy. You go through a lot in football and some people don’t see the dark side of it and see what happens behind closed doors,” he said.
“It all worked out in the end and that’s what counts. I’m back where I want to be and where I’m happy, and that’s here with these boys.”
Injuries also limited Hrustic’s input at the 2022 World Cup, so he’s desperate to get another chance to play in the 2026 edition of the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.
“I’ve still got unfinished business with the World Cup,” he said.
“I went through a difficult period with an injury (in 2022) where I forced myself to play and I did what I could, but unfortunately it didn’t work out as I wished.
“I’ve got a lot to work for and there’s a lot ahead of me. I’m taking it step by step, but I’m excited.”
The next step is on Tuesday night in Canberra where the Socceroos can guarantee themselves a spot in the next round of AFC World Cup qualifiers with another win over Lebanon.
Hrustic should fancy his chances of being elevated to the starting side, with Riley McGree (foot) and Bos (knee) out injured and Keanu Baccus suspended after being given a second yellow card during the second-round group stage.
“I love getting on the ball, I love giving the final pass, I love assisting the boys,” Hrustic said.
“I try what I can to make others happy and also myself.”