Miloš Degenek savours Socceroos second coming, sets example for others

Manifesting isn't a new concept. It's the idea of visualising or verbalising your biggest dreams and desires in the hope of bringing them to life.

Popularised by self-help books and more recently on social media, it's a well-established tool in sports psychology.

So when Socceroos defender Miloš Degenek starts talking about winning the World Cup, is it really tongue-in-cheek, or a masterclass in manifestation?

Degenek was speaking ahead of Saturday's friendly against Venezuela in Houston when asked about the logistical challenges of navigating next year's tournament across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

"It's not that difficult, it's just how you get your head around it," he said.

"You get on the plane, you fly back to your base, and you go again and again and again until you win the World Cup.

"And then in July … we all fly back to Australia and celebrate the World Cup.

"Things go for a little bit, about two weeks, we parade throughout Australia and happy days."

He keeps a largely straight face, with a couple of chuckles as he constructs the vision, but it's emblematic of the 31-year-old's character.

No matter how long the odds, he wants to defy them.

Giving back to the Socceroos 'family'

Degenek wrestled with injuries for 18 months, and returned late last year, just as Tony Popovic took over as coach, fearing his international career might be over.

"I thought it was going to be a long shot," Degenek said.

"I thought maybe I'll get one chance. Maybe I'll come into at least one camp, just to not say my goodbyes, but to put my best foot forward and see what happens."

Degenek has become a critical cog under Popovic, who recently praised the Serbian-based centre-back for his contribution to the team.

"He's done remarkably well for a player that physically was really struggling," Popovic said.

"He's become a vital member of our squad. When I joined, I never expected to see Miloš."

Degenek heard the comments, and they had a big impact on him.

"I just got goosebumps when you asked me that question," he said.

"It was really special that he said something like that, nice about me, means a lot to me and speaks highly of him as the person he is.

"For me it's just shown that he's given me a little bit of trust and I've tried to repay that as best I could when I play."

Degenek, who is of Serbian descent and moved here as a child, epitomises the type of team man Popovic wants at the heart of the Socceroos.

Particularly when other countries come calling, as has been the case for several players who've come in and out of the squad recently.

"I looked at what country gave me, my family, my loved ones, the best opportunity to live a normal, healthy life," Degenek said.

"Coming from a war-torn country, surviving through two wars and then coming to Australia was an eye-opener for us.

"And I've said this many times … I can't give back to Australia what they've given to me and my family, but I try and repay that with utmost respect that I can on the pitch.

"The boys that are on the fence [about representing Australia], I think they need to realise what this country offers you … and what the Socceroos offer you and to realise that the Socceroos are actually one big family."

Roos brothers

The metaphorical brotherhood has turned literal in this camp.

Sydney FC forward Al Hassan Toure earned his first national squad call-up, joining younger brother Mohamed Toure, who has six caps.

"It's kind of surreal to have brothers playing for the same team," the older Toure said.

"My dad and mum and my brothers were just so excited, not only to play together, but to represent a country together, it's amazing, so we just want to enjoy the moment."

Should the brothers make it onto the pitch together, a massive party is expected in the Toure household in Adelaide.

"Our family, we're very close, so whenever anyone's playing, everyone just comes to our house to watch the game and celebrate together," Toure said.

"I've seen videos after games where the whole family is screaming in the living room."

The 25-year-old is another player who could've represented other countries, with eligibility for Liberia and Guinea.

"They've contacted me before in the past, but at that stage I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do," he said.

"I had injuries and I was just focused on getting fit and not rushing anything and just playing well at my club and that will open doors for me, and it's happened now."

Toure spent several injury-riddled years in Europe and has credited the Sky Blues for helping him rebuild.

"The goal was always to help me get back to what I was before, and I think they did a great job with my body in terms of rehab, getting me stronger and fitter," he said.

"I've been feeling fit, I'm ready to play, so I think that just made me confident."

Although the ever-present lure of the World Cup squad is enticing, Toure just wants to prove himself in this window, which will also see the Australians face Colombia in New York.

"I think [Popovic] has rewarded me for my performances and I just want to be here and show him more that I deserve to be here," he said.

"Go out there, train hard every day and hopefully get some minutes and that's it."

Despite his bold trophy-hoisting predictions, Degenek too is staying humble as he aims to make a third World Cup squad.

"It's beyond to say that I've dreamt of it, it's not even possible to say that you can dream of going to three World Cups, it's something that you can't describe."