Squad Named To Represent Australia At Fifa Confede
Football Federation Australia today named the squad that will represent Australia at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany which starts on June 15.
“It is a terrific honour for these players to be selected to play for their country at a major FIFA tournament,” said National Coach Frank Farina.
“It-s a tough tournament but it-s exactly the type of matches we want to be involved in as we get ourselves in the best shape possible ahead of the World Cup qualifiers later this year.”
Injury had already ruled out Stan Lazaridis and Harry Kewell while Marco Bresciano (pictured above right) and Vince Grella were not selected and will be allowed to play for their club Parma in a relegation play off series on June 14 and June 18.
The FFA had the right and was willing to call the players up for national duty or release them for either or both matches for their club but Farina decided to allow them to stay with Parma.
Farina said it was an “extremely tough decision” not to select the Parma-based duo.
“After careful consideration I decided that what was best for the team as we prepare for the Confederations Cup and the world cup qualifiers later in the year and in the best interests of the players that they not be selected.”
“It is a difficult situation for all involved. Both players love playing for their country and at the same time feel a responsibility to help their club. It-s a shame they will miss the tournament but it will give others an opportunity to step up.”
The Socceroos will warm up for the tournament with an international against New Zealand on Thursday 9 June at Craven Cottage as part of the Powerade Series.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR 2005 FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP John Aloisi (Osasuna, Spain), Tim Cahill (Everton, England), Scott Chipperfield (Basel, Switzerland), Simon Colosimo (Perth Glory, Australia), Jason Culina (FC Twente, Holland), Ahmad Elrich (Busan I'Cons, Korea), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Zeljko Kalac (Perugia, Italy), Jon McKain (National Bucuresti, Romania), Ljubo Milicevic (FC Thun, Switzerland), Craig Moore (unattached), Kevin Muscat (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers, England), Michael Petkovic (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace, England), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England), Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Mile Sterjovski (Basel, Switzerland), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Tony Vidmar (Cardiff City, Wales), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, England), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City, England), David Zdrilic (Sydney FC) Australia-s 2006 FIFA Confederations Cup Match Schedule Australia v Germany 15 June 2005 Frankfurt Australia v Argentina 18 June 2005 Nuremburg Australia v Tunisia 21 June 2005 Leipzig
Football International Australia v New Zealand (Powerade Series Match) Thursday 9 June 2005 Craven Cottage, London Socceroos SQUAD Tim Cahill (Everton, England), Scott Chipperfield (Basel, Switzerland), Simon Colosimo (Perth Glory, Australia), Ahmad Elrich (Busan I'Cons, Korea), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Zeljko Kalac (Perugia, Italy), Jon McKain (National Bucuresti, Romania), Ljubo Milicevic (FC Thun, Switzerland), Craig Moore (uncontracted), Kevin Muscat (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers, England), Michael Petkovic (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace, England), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England), Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Mile Sterjovski (Basel, Switzerland), Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Michael Thwaite (National Bucuresti, Romania), Tony Vidmar (Cardiff City, Wales), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, England), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City, England) Ticketing details - Category 1 (Stevenage Road & Riverside Stands) £25 + £2.50 booking fee - Adults £18 + £1.50 booking fee - Concessions £12 + £1.00 booking fee - Juniors Category 2 (Hammersmith & Putney Ends)
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