Argentina names superstars for Australia clash

Argentina has named a squad full of international superstars for the blockbuster match against the Socceroos to be played at the MCG on 11 September.

Argentina has named a squad full of international superstars for the blockbuster match against the Socceroos to be played at the MCG on 11 September.

Head Coach Alfio Basile has included some of the biggest names in world football including Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Hernan Crespo (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Javier Saviola (Real Madrid) and the player some experts rate as the most exciting on the planet, Lionel Messi (Barcelona).

Football Federation Australia CEO Mr. Ben Buckley said it was a unique opportunity to see such a quality team in action.

“Argentina are bringing down some of the greats of world football. It will truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Australian sports fans to see some of the world-s best in action against our own Socceroos. This reflects the intention of the original postponement and we thank AFA President Mr Julio Grondona for fulfilling his commitment to send a full strength team,” said Mr. Buckley.

“The clubs that these players are at are some of the biggest in the world including Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Barcelona.”

“The strength of their squad reflects how important the match is to them. Like our own Socceroos they are about to start the qualifying process for the 2010 World Cup and will be using this as vital preparation.”

In addition to current day superstars the Argentina team also includes Sergio Aguero who was the player of the tournament and leading scorer at the recent FIFA Under 20 World Championships which Argentina won.

Good tickets are still available for the match from all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com.au or on 13 61 00.

The Socceroos squad will be announced on Thursday.

The match will be shown live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS and available on Radio 702 ABC nationally.

ARGENTINA SQUAD TO PLAY AUSTRALIA, MCG, 11 SEPTEMBER 2007

Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe), Oscar Ustari (Getafe), Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar); Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Daniel Diaz (Getafe), Gabriel Milito (Barcelona), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan); Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Jonas Gutierrez (Mallorca), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Federico Insua (America, Mexico), Cristian Ledesma (Olympiakos), Maxi Rodriguez (Althletico Madrid), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid); Javier Saviola (Real Madrid), Hernan Crespo (Inter Milan), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)