Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos hero Massimo Luongo reveals he was hit with pre-game nerves

MASSIMO Luongo revealed that Asian Cup stage-fright struck him pre-game, but Ange Postecoglou’s message to ‘attack’ helped him calm his nerves.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 09: Massimo Luongo of the Socceroos is congratulated by Tim Cahill and his teammates after scoring a goal during the 2015 Asian Cup match between the Australian Socceroos and Kuwait at AAMI Park on January 9, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

MASSIMO Luongo revealed that Asian Cup stage-fright struck him pre-game, but Ange Postecoglou’s message to ‘attack’ helped him calm his nerves.

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Massimo Luongo created a huge impression on Friday night.

The raw midfielder revealed that he only “came out of his shell” minutes before kick off in Friday night’s 4-1 win over Kuwait.

Talisman Tim Cahill hailed his “brave” young teammate, after the pair combined to bring the Socceroos back into the contest after conceding early.

Luongo, 22, overcame a nervy opening to explode into life, setting up the first and scoring the second in a man-of-the-match performance.

The midfielder, who sat on the bench for all three World Cup matches, was making just his fifth Socceroos appearance.

But he said his performance will be a springboard.

“A lot (of confidence). Coming out of my shell probably happened last minute, just before the game, and that made a massive difference,’’ Luongo said.

“I did (start nervous), I couldn’t get the right shift in the game, I didn’t know positionally where would be the best for me.

“The friendlies mean a lot to us. But home soil, a massive Cup is the Asian Cup, there’s the pressure and seriousness of the competition.

“For us to do that and for me to get the goal and for us to get three points is amazing.

“It didn’t work out for the first 10 minutes but I kept at it and so did the other boys.

“Going forward I feel more comfortable with the team and they know how I play more now.’’

The Swindon Town midfielder got a standing ovation from the sold out AAMI Park crowd after his dazzling direct and attacking midfield display.

Sydney-born Luongo said the backing of his teammates, including the man he replaced in the first XI and Melbourne favourite Mark Bresciano - who substituted him in the dying minutes - were crucial.

“The boss said if in doubt, go forward, and be positive and that’s the best thing I could’ve done,’’ he said.

“They all know the type of player that I am, they all say Mass get on the ball, you’ll make us tick, they try and help.‘’

Cahill paid tribute to Luongo and young keeper Mat Ryan, who made a spectacular save to deny Kuwait’s Fahed Al Ebrahim at 3-1.

“Mass and Maty Ryan were exceptional,’’ Cahill said.

“Down one-nil, Mass wanted the ball, brave, standing up on the big occasion.

“The way he was dribbling and holding off players, when he (cut it back for the first goal) I was so happy because I knew any good contact they’ve got no chance.

“The saves he (Mat) made at critical times, it’s him maturing as a keeper and player.

“There’s going to be long spells where he’s not going to have much to do, but when he did he stopped two scoring opportunities.’’

Luongo said Ivan Franjic’s quick thinking was vital for the 33rd minute equaliser.

“Ivan got the ball in really quickly, he looked at me and I made the run forward and that caught them off guard,’’ Luongo said.

“I tried to get them off me, and then it just fell in the right place and Timmy made a good peel off and I found him.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: Socceroos hero Massimo Luongo reveals he was hit with pre-game nerves