Games Vs Paraguay
Australia’s road to the World Cup 2002 has started.
Australia-s road to the World Cup 2002 has started.
Not leaving anything to chance, the LG SOCCEROOS start their critical 18 month period of World Cup preparation and qualification with a three match challenge series against the South American nation of PARAGUAY.
Following this tough series of matches against South America-s third ranked nation - only Brazil (1) and Argentina (7) are higher - Frank Farina and his players will fly directly to Tahiti to battle for the title of Oceania Champions and, if successful, the lucrative spot in the next FIFA Confederations Cup.
The series against Paraguay will take place down the East Coast of Australia with Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne the host cities for the three games, the matches set down as follows:
LG SOCCEROOS Vs PARAGUAY
Date: Friday June 9 Kickoff: 7.30pm Venue: Sydney - Football Stadium Tickets: Ticketek
Date: Monday June 12 Kickoff: 3.00pm Venue: Brisbane - The Gabba Tickets: Ticketmaster
Date: Thursday June 15 Kickoff: 7.30pm Venue: Melbourne - Colonial Stadium Tickets: Ticketmaster
“These are obviously very important games for us, and I have no doubt that the Australian public will get right behind the opportunity of watching the LG Socceroos on home turf,” says Soccer Australia Chairman Basil Scarsella.
“The three match series is, in the short term an ideal preparation for the Oceania Cup in Tahiti next month, but in the longer term, also ideal for our World Cup qualifiers, where we may eventually meet the fifth placed South American team.”
LG Socceroo Coach FRANK FARINA agrees, and is looking forward to the challenge that Paraguay will present.
“Every match that Australia plays over this next 18 month period must be geared toward our qualification for the World Cup,” he said.
“Paraguay will make our third South American opponent since I-ve taken over the role, which can only help in our continued assessment of potential opposition.
“Paraguay is ranked 17 in the world, so there-s no question we-ll be up against first rate opposition, and they give us a double edged challenge as preparation for the Oceania Nations Cup, and of course for our World Cup Qualifiers.”
Farina will name his LG Socceroo Squad tomorrow.