Postecoglou: Farewell game a big occasion

Coach Ange Postecoglou has urged fans to unite behind the Socceroos as they go into World Cup mode on the eve of their departure for Brazil.

Coach Ange Postecoglou has urged fans to unite behind the Socceroos as they go into World Cup mode on the eve of their departure for Brazil.

Postecoglou-s call comes as tickets go on sale to the general public for the Socceroos- World Cup farewell match against South Africa at ANZ Stadium on May 26. Following a strong pre-sale period to the Football Family for the match, presented by NAB, tickets will go on sale to the general public from 9am Wednesday 12 March 2014.

The match will be the Socceroos- last before they jet off to South America and unlike the little time the squad had together prior to the recent friendly against Ecuador, the farewell match against Bafana Bafana will come after a 10-day camp in Gosford.

Postecoglou said the team-s last game on Australian soil would, while as much being about fine tuning for the World Cup, be about galvanising as a country.

“We certainly want to finish off on a positive vibe leaving Australia,” Postecoglou said.

“Traditionally farewell games are big occasions and I think people understand the kind of philosophical tact I-m taking with the team - if we-re going to take a young and fairly inexperienced international team over, I think finishing strongly in front of a home crowd is the best kind of belief that we can instil in them that the World Cup will be an exciting adventure for them.”

The Socceroos- opponents for the May 26 encounter may not be competing in the World Cup, but Postecoglou firmly believes South Africa will provide a more than suitable hit out.

“In the end we-ve got a great sporting history with South Africa, not just in football, and from my perspective the game is more about making sure we leave everyone involved with a positive feel in moving forward…not that it-s going to be an easy game by any stretch,” Postecoglou said.

“They had a pretty bad defeat against Brazil recently but they-re not the only ones in that boat so from my perspective we certainly won-t be underestimating them.

“It-s a final tune up before we leave for Brazil, it-s a really important game for us and I think South Africa will be a good opponent.

“But more importantly I think it-s about the occasion for us so if we can play in front of a packed stadium and have a strong performance it-ll give everyone that bit of self-belief ahead of a major tournament.”

Click here for ticketing details. Tickets for the match include travel on Sydney Trains to and from ANZ Stadium for no extra charge.

The match between the Socceroos and South Africa, presented by NAB, will also be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.

Upcoming Match Details Socceroos vs. South Africa, presented by NAB Monday 26 May 2014 ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW Kick-Off: 7.30pm (AEST) Gates-Open: 5.30pm

Ticketing Details Ticket Prices - General Public Category A - $85 all tickets Category B - $55 Adult, $25 Concession, $135 Family Category C - $30 Adult, $15 Concession, $60 Family Terrace Australis - $30 Adult, $15 Concession

Ticket Prices - 10% Discount - Football Family Category A - $76.50 all tickets Category B - $49.50 Adult, $22.50 Concession, $121.50 Family Category C - $27 Adult, $13.50 Concession, $54 Family Terrace Australis - $27 Adult, $13.50 Concession

Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST. Transaction and credit card charges may apply.

Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child) Pensioner (Aged, TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards) Student (Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required)) Child (4-16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)) Family Definition - 2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children National Companion Card Accepted