Day 3 at Socceroos’ boot camp for Brazil

The Socceroos stepped up their training intensity on Saturday as the World Cup hopefuls do their best to impress coach Ange Postecoglou.

On a scorching day on the NSW Central Coast, there was no easing their way into camp as the squad were pushed to their limits in a another energy-sapping 75 minute session on a pristine surface.

The Socceroo boss allowed assistants Ante Millicic and Aurelio Vidmar conduct most of the session so he could sit back and assess every player's performance.

With defender Curtis Good again restricted to light duties, it was left to the other 13 players in camp to get down to work.

Melbourne Victory trio Tom Rogic, James Troisi and Mark Milligan looked particularly impressive, while youngster Adam Taggart and Josh Brillante showed why Postecoglou has given them a shot.

Utrecht midfielder Adam Sarota only took part in half the session again as he continues to recover from a groin strain but he is hopefully of joining in the full session on Sunday.

The session began with some ball work before Postecoglou got the squad into more possession-based games.

A handful of fans were allowed in to watch training, while new Sydney FC technical director Han Berger was also an interested spectator.  

Goalkeeping hopefuls Eugene Galekovic and Mark Birighitti were also worked on their shot-stopping, crosses and distribution from the back by experienced coach Tony Franken.

More players will continue to trickle into camp in the next couple of days, including midfielder James Holland (he grew up on the Central Coast so should feel right at home) who is set to arrive tonight.

Star attacker Tim Cahill, likely skipper Mile Jedinak, defenders Matthew Spiranovic and Alex Wilkinson and wingers Ben Halloran and Matthew Leckie will then join on Sunday night.

Fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their Socceroos heroes on Sunday with a special fan day to be held at Central Coast Stadium.

It begins at 10am and it's hoped to attract thousands of fans to help unite all Australians behind the team before departing for Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The day will include merchandise giveways, face painting, MiniRoos clinics and a player signing session before the fans can stay back and watch some of the Socceroos training session.

And don’t forget the Socceroo are playing in Sydney in May so send them off to Brazil in style.

Send Off the Socceroos

Socceroo vs South Africa, presented by NAB


Monday 26 May 2014
ANZ Stadium, Sydney 
Kick-off: 7.30pm

Tickets from $30 including public transport. Buy now!