Mum and dad envisioned son James Troisi would score Asian Cup winner

MILLIONS of Australians were hoping for the goal James Troisi scored to secure the Asian Cup for the Socceroos, but his mum and dad almost knew it was coming.

Australia's James Troisi (R) celebrates scoring with teammates Jason Davidson (L) and Massimo Luongo (C) during the AFC Asian Cup football final between South Korea and Australia at Stadium Australia in Sydney on January 31, 2015. AFP PHOTO / Peter PARKS -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

MILLIONS of Australians were hoping for the goal James Troisi scored to secure the Asian Cup for the Socceroos, but his mum and dad almost knew it was coming.

Troisi became an instant Australian sporting hero when he smashed the ball into the back of the net in extra time to give Australia its historic first cup in a thrilling 2-1 win over South Korea on Saturday. His father, Alby Troisi, had predicted this two days before.

“I called my cousin in Melbourne, Tass Roubos, before the game and we had a bit of a chat,’’ Alby said. “I said to him ‘James will score the winning goal’.

Troisi’s mother, Stacia, said she had a gut feeling that her son would be celebrating the winner, as James smiled contently during his brief respite in Adelaide before he leaves for Belgium to resume club duties with Zulte Waregem on Tuesday.

“When you’ve been with him (James) long enough you’d understand the gut feeling,’’ Stacia said.

“We know what drives him and he did what he needed to do.”

Troisi’s first phone call after Australia celebrated its greatest prize in international men’s soccer was to his dad during the bus ride back to the Socceroos team hotel in Sydney.

“After every single game I make a call,’’ he said.

“He (Alby) used to be my coach for a long time so I just asked him about the game.

“I asked him what he thought and we’re both our biggest critics and he has helped me out.”

Alby and Stacia watched the Asian Cup final from their Norwood home with grandparents Georgina and John Roubos and brother Isaac.

“For the first time in my life when James called me after the game I said “why aren’t you out celebrating what just happened,’’ Alby said.

“But my reaction after he scored was to pray.

“I was quite surprised James wasn’t in the starting 11 I think his first game (against Kuwait where he scored in a 4-1 win) was a fantastic game.

“But there’s different reasons for different players playing.

“But over the years you learn to be a bit calmer watching James play.

“You sit there relax and just watch it unfold.”

In an ironic twist of fate James scored the winner at the ‘Adelaide end’ of the Stadium Australia.

James’ strike crashed about 1.5 metres away from where former Socceroo — Adelaide-born — John Aloisi forever etched his name in sporting history when he nailed the penalty which saw Australia qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 32 years a decade ago.

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Originally published as Mum and dad envisioned son James Troisi would score Asian Cup winner