FIFA World Cup qualifier Australia v Thailand: Aaron Mooy shows his quality as Socceroos stumble

IF Aaron Mooy had played in Japan five days ago, would the Socceroos have been doing a lap of honour rather than biting their nails?

Mooy’s quality is now vital to Australia. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

WHAT if Aaron Mooy played in Japan five days ago? Would the Socceroos have been doing a lap of honour on Tuesday night having secured World Cup qualification?

The Huddersfield Town midfielder’s man-of-the-match performance reminded us of his growing importance to the Socceroos’ style.

Australia is a different team when Mooy pulls strings in midfield and even in one short month playing in the Premier League, he seems to have taken his game to another level.

Mooy’s vision and reading of the game leave him dictating the tempo and probing to exploit spaces.

His delivery, be it from set piece or open play, is even more outstanding and he is a scoring threat — Mooy also struck the post on six minutes and delivered several delightful balls into the box.

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Mooy’s quality is now vital to Australia. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

It was his teasing cross that left Tomi Juric with a simple glance to head home the opener, the issue was that it didn’t come until the 69th minute for a Socceroos side chasing at least a three-goal win to maintain pressure on Saudi Arabia.

“It was a really frustrating night, I don’t think I’ve played a game like that before, creating so many chances and only scoring two goals,’’ Mooy said.

“It was unbelievable, we created lots of chances, played well. It was just the final shot or last pass that let us down.’’

Mooy, who is 26 and was not even part of the 2015 Asian Cup squad, will have a big role to play for the Socceroos in an Asian confederation that is only getting more challenging.

Originally published as FIFA World Cup qualifier Australia v Thailand: Aaron Mooy shows his quality as Socceroos stumble