A 22-year-old Lokomotiva player has been given the clear by FIFA to represent Australia in the World Cup this summer.
Former Croatia youth player Fran Karačić has been granted FIFA permission to compete at this year’s World Cup for another national team – Australia. The Lokomotiva footballer found his name on a shortlist of 26 players for the Australia national team led by Bert van Marwijk, reports Index.hr on May 25, 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=6ssbfbMgLek
The Lokomotiva defender has eight appearances for Croatia’s U21 team and has never lived in Australia. Karačić was born and raised in Croatia and has an Australian passport through his father who was born in Australia. Karačić’s last performance in a Croatia jersey was in March this year when Croatia played against Moldova in a qualifying match for the U21 European Championship.
If you recall, FIFA allows footballers to change the national team they wish to represent before they play their first competitive match for the senior team.
International media reports have said that Karačić is one of the safest team members on their way to Russia because as the Australia coach lacks a quality right back.
Australia will play in Group C with France, Peru, and Denmark.
Australia lineup for World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan (Brighton and Hove Albion), Danny Vuković (Genk, Brad Jones (Feyenoord)
Defenders: Aziz Behich (Bursaspor), Milos Degenek (Yokohama F. Marinos), Matthew Jurman (Suwon Bluewings), James Meredith (Millwall), Josh Risdon (Western Sydney), Trent Sainsbury (Grasshoppers), Fran Karačić (Lokomotiva)
Midfielders: Josh Brillante (Sydney FC), Mile Jedinak (Aston Villa), Jackson Irvine (Hull City), Robbie Kruse (Bochum), Massimo Luongo (Queens Park Rangers), Mark Milligan (Al Ahli), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town), Tom Rogić (Celtic), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory).
Forwards: Tim Cahill (Millwall), Tomi Jurić (FC Luzern), Matthew Leckie (Hertha Berlin), Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds), Nikita Rukavytsya (Maccabi Haifa), Dimitri Petratos (Newcastle Jets), Daniel Arzani (Melbourne City)
