Australia NewsSocceroos Get Green Light For Iraq |
AUSTRALIA'S World Cup qualifier against Iraq will go ahead on Sunday - as will the return clash in Dubai six days later.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has confirmed that it has received advice from FIFA indicating that Australia’s 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches scheduled against Iraq in Brisbane on Sunday 1 June and in Dubai on Saturday 7 June can proceed.“This is great news,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
“We’re truly delighted that the Iraqi Government, the Iraq FA and FIFA have sorted out the issues between them and the Qantas Socceroos and Iraq can get on the field to play this important World Cup qualifying match on Sunday.
“It has always been our hope that the games could go ahead as they are critical matches in Australia’s World Cup qualification preparation, and playing football is what we’re here for.”
Buckley said the Qantas Socceroos have been keeping their collective minds focussed on the task ahead and have not let the off field disruption get in the way of a solid training and preparatory regime from coach Pim Verbeek.
The match will be held at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Six days later, the two teams meet again in the return match in Dubai in the second of the ‘Super June’ schedule for the Qantas Socceroos.
On 14 June, Australia meets Qatar in Doha and returns home to play China at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on 22 June.
"It is a particularly busy schedule but one which our players and staff are prepared for,” Buckley said.
"They're absolutely committed to making sure Australia gets to the next FIFA World Cup in 2010, and we’re delighted that we’re back on track to achieve that."
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