World Cup qual - Australia want tougher matches

Eurosport - Thu, 18 Jun 10:46:00 2009

The Socceroos are trying to lure a high-profile opponent to Australia next year for a blockbuster friendly before the 2010 World Cup finals.

Australia's Harry Kewell (centre) congratulates team mate Mile Sterjovski after he scored the first goal during their World Cup Asian football qualifier against Bahrain in Sydney. AFP - 0

Football Federation of Australia officials have already booked out the 100,000 seater Melbourne Cricket Ground and are hoping their improved standing in the world game will help them attract a top opponent.

"I think there's a realistic chance a team from South America could come to play," FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said.

Australia sailed through their final round of the Asian qualifiers to book their place at South Africa but want some tougher matches before the tournament.

They were unbeaten in their first seven matches without conceding a goal then came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their last game in Melbourne on Wednesday.

"Because we've been unbeaten for quite some time it's important that we get asked questions in the preparation for the World Cup because it's never going to be this smooth sailing forever," Australia captain Lucas Neill said.

"We're actually looking to play against teams now that on paper it looks like we're going to lose."

Reuters

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  1. Silver N you are a complete idiot. The Socceroos joined­ the Asian League because they wanted a direct route to­ the World Cup as well as regular Tournaments. But the­ Asian League is by no means an easy route to the World­ Cup. Previously in the Oceania league, Australia never­ failed to top the group and still hold the world record­ for the number of goals scored in an International­ match; 20 odd - Nil.

    They joined the AFC for better­ competition from teams like Japan & South Korea.­ You may consider these teams minnows compared to the­ teams in Europe, and I agree, but the Soceroos are a­ developing team playing a sport that is 3rd or 4th in­ terms of popularity in the country. They have developed­ quicker than England have considering England have the­ 'biggest league in the world'.

    In fact I­ wouldn't be surprised if Australia lifted the World­ Cup before England do again. We have players who would­ die for the shirt, can you say the same for your­ overpayed, premadonna's?

    Jog On and don't come­ back until you have all the facts.

    From ssrx_surfer, on Thu 25 Jun 8:48AM

  2. Wow, you came to AFC for an easy way to WC and now you­ are back stabing the teams you played. Bring up that,­ we can beat anybody in a given day, @#$%. You are not­ going through the group stage next year anyway.

    From Silver N, on Thu 18 Jun 6:29PM
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