Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Lubo Milicevic Milicevic on the Young Socceroos… Diegos: " Congratulations on the Young Socceroos qualification to the World Cup in Argentina later this year. It was no easy achievement against New Zealand however, with only a Scott McDonald golden goal, Angie Postecoglou praying and Four Diego referee tampering in the end being the difference between the two sides.
Milicevic: "You never give up complete hope but when we copped that first goal in the return leg against New Zealand I thought 'Oh my God what have we got ourselves into now?' but thankfully we kept battling away. Realistically we should have won both games four or five nil but as soccer goes when you concede stupid goals and then don't take your chances, you tend to make it difficult for yourself. We got through in the end so we're all pretty happy." Diegos: " It says a lot about how far Aussie soccer has come when a high proportion of our Young Socceroos play for overseas clubs. We know that the overseas boys don't mind passing on the new disco moves from Europe to the Aussie based boys in the squad but how did things gel on the park?" Milicevic: "Very well. A lot of us have played together through the junior ranks so there are really no unfamiliar faces in the squad. We've all played together or against each other whether it be at the AIS or the national championships so cohesion was no problem." Diegos: " Looking ahead to the upcoming Youth World cup in Argentina which teams should Australia look out for?" Milicevic: "I think Argentina especially because it's played on their home soil. The African nations are always dangerous because they are so flamboyant and unpredictable. I guess any team because we as a group are quite inexperienced in international football and all the teams are going to be of a high standard." Soft Sombrero Moment April 2001 Diegos: "It seems that there is never a dull moment playing soccer in the land of the Sandgroper. Big crowds, big hype, players missing the match day bus and club owners brawling in public - it's all very exciting, colourful and unpredictable.
How do you rate your time there? Milicevic: "I love it. I don't think there's a better club than Perth Glory in Australia. The crowds, marketing and fans are just fantastic. Sometimes it's a bit difficult when you're not playing but other than that it's quite fun here in Perth." Soft Sombrero Moment April 2001
Diegos: " It appears that your position as Young Socceroo captain has impressed everyone in Australia except for Perth Glory coach, Bernd Stange.
How are you coping with the situation? Milicevic: "Yes it's a funny one that. Basically I'm in the position where I can't do much at all. All I can do is train and hope that I can get a game every now and again. What can I do? The coach has his own decisions and beliefs. He lives and dies by his decisions. I'm still happy to be at the club though. Of course I prefer to be playing more regularly but I can't do anything about that." Diegos: "Does it surprise you that Bernd appears to have done a complete opposite to Leeds United's David O'Leary where he is actually not saying you can't play for the national team but if you do, you just won't be playing for Glory?" Milicevic: "It's a funny situation. I think I'll just leave it at that. Whether the current situation affects my selection for the Young Socceroos is really up to Angie Postecoglou. There are a few other boys in the same situation that I'm in so it's not unique. It shouldn't have an affect. Ange saw what everyone could do during the qualifiers and I think he understands the situation that we are all in. We can't do much about it. If my spot in the national team is in jeopardy because I'm not playing regularly in the NSL I'll be disappointed but I don't think it'll come to that." Soft Sombrero Moment April 2001
Diegos: " I guess you could say that there are two schools of thought on defense. The Diegos don't mind admitting that we've modeled ourselves on Frank Arok's 'Mad dog' Socceroo back four of the mid 80's.
Who have you styled your game on?" Milicevic: "As a youngster I always loved Dutch star, Ronald Koeman. I was a bit too young to watch too much of Beckenbauer but Baresi and Koeman I've always admired. Locally guys like Ned Zelic, Okon and Joe Simunic have always been players that I've modeled myself on." Soft Sombrero Moment April 2001
Diegos: " Our dodgy European sources tell us that it's only a matter of time before you go overseas to take up a multi-million dollar offer that will make us all rich. Which club is it going to be and when is it going to happen?" Milicevic: "Well that is the plan. I don't really know. I can't speculate at this time. Basically it will be either before or immediately after the World Cup. There are a few clubs already talking terms but I can't say for sure which club it's going to be. Things are looking good in this respect though."
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