Australia to play Singapore
Preparations for the Socceroos next 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match will step-up with a five day camp in Singapore ahead of the next vital game in the campaign against China.
Preparations for the Socceroos next 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match will step-up with a five day camp in Singapore ahead of the next vital game in the campaign against China.
National coach, Pim Verbeek, will also give Hyundai A-League players another opportunity to press their claims for inclusion in the squad when Australia meets Singapore in an international friendly match on Saturday 22 March, four days before the qualifier.
"We want to play as many matches as we can against teams from Asia and, with Singapore also in the process of attempting to qualify for the World Cup, it is a perfect opponent for us," said Verbeek.
Due to club matches being played on the same weekend in Europe as the Singapore match it is likely the squad will be made up of mostly Hyundai A-League players, giving them another important chance to impress the national coach and earn a place in the final squad which will travel to Kunming to play China a few days later in the Socceroos second 21010 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
"This match will give valuable experience to Hyundai A-League players and will be another important part of our program to keep them fit during the off season," said Mr Verbeek.
"Once the match is over I will then decide who will make the final squad for the trip to China."
Verbeek also revealed that he took a lot of information away from a recent trip to China where he saw their national team in action.
"China played in a strong tournament so it was valuable for me to be able to see them play."
"They have stayed in camp and have already moved to Kunming to continue their preparations so the match against Singapore is vital for us."
Selected players from Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory who will be involved in Asian Champions League matches will join the camp once they complete their club matches on Wednesday 19 March.
The squad for these matches will be announced next week.
Both matches will be shown live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
FOXTEL are the presenting partner of Australia's World Cup qualification journey.
MATCH DETAILS
International Match Singapore v Australia Saturday 22 March National Stadium, Singapore
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier China v Australia Wednesday 26 March 2008 Tuodong Stadium. Kunming