Anthony Caceres has at the age of 32 earned his first cap for his nation, coming on as a second half substitution against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night.
He was never previously given a call up to his nation at any level. Not U17’s, not U20’s, not U23’s and never for the senior side, that is until now.
Last Friday he found out the news while he was sitting in the cubbyhouse with his daughter and a week later, he completed his dream of playing for his country and earns him cap number 647.
“I haven’t got the words [to describe the feeling of my first cap].
“It’s a dream that I have always had, a dream that I thought was fading but I’ve been given the chance and I am eternally grateful for it,” Caceres said.
“It’s a very proud moment for me to wear this shirt, particularly with my family in the stands, my girls, m parents, my sister, my in laws and my wide and to share the field with some of my best mates is very special.”
The Sky Blues midfielder came on with 15 minutes to play and looked comfortable on the ball. He set up the Aussies’ best chance of the night and he is hoping to utilise his strengths against Bahrain and the rest of the qualifying moving forward.
“I think I can offer a lot in terms of creativity and being comfortable on the ball in tight areas.
“It’s my first game and I am still letting that sink in but I always strive for more and to contribute to the success of this team moving forward,” he said.
“I’m here to help the team, whatever my role is, I’ll fully embrace that challenge.
“I look to gain a better understanding of what the boss expects of my role and hopefully we can pick up a win away in Bahrain.”
The Socceroos drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and after results went their way elsewhere overnight, they remain in second.
The Australians will take on Bahrain away in the early hours of Wednesday morning before Caceres and the other two Sydney FC boys fly back home in preparation for the Sydney Derby at Allianz Stadium.
