Celtic player hammered by Nation’s media despite country qualifying for last 16

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Aaron Mooy and Australia qualified for the last 16 with a shock World Cup win on Wednesday – but Australian media outlet Optus Sport have criticised the Celtic star, saying his display was his “worst game of the tournament so far”.

Mooy, 32, came into the World Cup having played 20 times for Celtic this season – but only starting eight times for the Scottish champions. So, perhaps slightly undercooked but at least, well-rested for the Socceroos ahead of Qatar.

Australia suffered a 4-1 loss to France in their opening game, but bounced back to beat Tunisia. A superb rearguard display in which Mooy played superbly. With pride, with vigour and with every ounce of energy he could conjure up.

Denmark was next and Australia had to realistically, get a result against Denmark to qualify. They did more than that. They beat Denmark, a shock win, to qualify. Matt Leckie’s goal was the only one of the game, a delightful finish.

Mooy won his 55th cap for Australia on Wednesday evening. He clocked up his third 90 minutes in the space of a week and perhaps, that is the reason for his showing. Optus Sport criticised him, saying it was his worst of the three displays.

“Almost certainly his worst game of the tournament so far. He really struggled to complete his passes and get the Socceroos moving as he usually does. It didn’t matter in the end but Australia will need him back on his game.”

Australian media have criticised Celtic star Mooy despite Denmark win

What a result for Australia it was. Denmark have some wonderful players. Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen, Nice’s Kasper Schmeichel, Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen. Star-studded.

But Australia overcame all of that with Mooy the heartbeat. However, it is fair to say his performance was below par. It might be, because it was his third 90 minutes in a week. He has only played four 90 minutes for Celtic this season.

Now, Mooy has a few days to rest before he is back for the Socceroos, who take on an incredibly tricky challenge against Argentina on Saturday evening. Mooy will be tasked with the simple contest of keeping Lionel Messi quiet.