Soccer: Rojas' release provides a chance to live out Olympic dream

Marco Rojas of the All Whites competes with Jermaine Taylor of Jamaica for the ball during the international friendly match between the New Zealand All Whites and Jamaica. Photo / Getty Images.

Marco Rojas is returning home with an eye on an Olympic dream but fully focused on helping New Zealand qualify for the greatest show in sport.

Rojas' last game for Melbourne Victory is tomorrow's clash against former side Wellington Phoenix, after which the winger will cross the ditch to play in the Oceania Olympic qualifiers in Taupo.

While Rojas will miss New Zealand's first game tomorrow against Papua New Guinea, the fact he is playing at all is a major boost to the Oly-Whites' hopes of winning the tournament. If they do, the 20-year-old will earn a chance to play in a tournament he grew up watching.

"As a kid you used to even stop schoolwork and watch the Olympics,'' Rojas said. "It's a big thing to be a part of, just to be able to be in a tournament with that kind of prestige and that kind of name.

"We've got to focus on the qualifiers to make sure we do everything we can to qualify, and then once we qualify it'll be a great tournament to be a part of.''

The wariness to look too far ahead at an alluring goal like the Olympics must be difficult, but it's necessary given the danger provided by the island sides, particularly at age-group level. They are particularly difficult to beat at home but don't traditionally travel well.

"Every football game is tricky because, even when you're the so-called favourites, you have to turn up and play well. If you don't, it doesn't matter who you are, the other team's going to beat you.

"We've got to click quickly and come together quickly and perform in a few games.''

The speed at which the team clicks will be enhanced by a set of players that, in large, know one another well. Seven of Rojas' teammates from the under-20 side which picked up two draws in at the World Cup in Columbia last year are also on Olympic duty, a group Rojas described as "pretty easy to get along with''.

Rojas is joined by Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson and striker Greg Draper, the second-highest scorer in the Welsh Premier League this season, as overseas professionals punctuating a strong local and American collegiate presence.

The presence of Rojas was only enabled by Melbourne Victory being eliminated from playoff contention after last weekend's loss to Sydney. For the player, the chance to play Olympic qualifiers for his country tempered any disappointment around missing the chance to play finals football for his club.

"In my mind, I never thought about it before because it wouldn't have been right for me to be thinking about going to New Zealand when our club still had a chance to be in the finals,'' Rojas said. "It wasn't until when I heard from New Zealand Football that I hoped I would be able to go and play.

"I've always said it's a privilege to play for your country no matter what age group level and I'm excited to get a chance to play in the qualifiers.''

If all goes to plan in the qualifiers and an Olympic berth is secured, the likes of Kosta Barbarouses, Tommy Smith and Chris Wood will provide an immeasurable boost to the team's playing stocks. Add in the three allowed overage players and Rojas believes the Oly-Whites would be well-placed to make their mark in London.

"Any time you go into a tournament you believe that you can do well and make an impact. We've got a good set of players and hopefully we can look to throw a few surprises in there and cause a bit of mayhem.''

Group A: Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, American Samoa

Group B: New Zealand, PNG, Tonga

March 16: NZ vs PNG

March 20: NZ vs Tonga

March 22: semifinals

March 24: final