Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Australia's Tommy Oar hopes the AFC Asian Cup will be where he can right the wrongs of what was, by his own admission, a disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign for the winger.
At the tender age of 23, the FC Utrecht star's stature within Ange Postecoglou’s squad continues to grow as he gains more playing time in national colours.
However, with his increasing profile comes an added pressure to perform, something Oar felt he did not do sufficiently in Brazil.
“I was a little bit disappointed with the way I went in Brazil,” Oar told the Herald Sun.
“I put a bit too much pressure on myself to perform and that showed.
“My form in the lead-up games was quite good, but when it came to the tournament, I didn’t deliver as much as I would have liked.”
To his credit, Oar returned to the Dutch Eredivisie with a renewed passion, and is in the midst of a stellar season, having thus far provided a creditable seven assists in just 12 matches, the second best record in the league.
"I'm happy with how I have bounced back," the young gun explained.
"I'm quite happy with my club form this season, it has probably been my strongest season so far in Holland.”.
With the Socceroos just days away from opening the tournament against Kuwait on Friday, Oar now believes he will be able to transfer his club form and help the host nation chase silverware at Asia’s premier event.
"I'm fully confident coming into this tournament. I'm hoping I can contribute a lot and help the team."