Farina Names Starting Eleven For South Africa Clas

Qantas Socceroo coach Frank Farina has announced his starting team for tomorrow's match (Australian time) against South Africa in Durban with Dutch-based midfielder Jason Culina set to make his debut.

Qantas Socceroo coach Frank Farina has announced his starting team for tomorrow's match (Australian time) against South Africa in Durban with Dutch-based midfielder Jason Culina (pictured right) set to make his debut.  Craig Moore's return from a lengthy absence through injury will see the 29-year-old defender captain the team in his first outing for the national team since the match against South Africa in London last March which Australia won 1-0.

The Australian team is:

Mark Schwarzer (GK); Lucas Neill, Craig Moore (c), Tony Popovic, Tony Vidmar, Jason Culina, Vince Grella, Marco Bresciano, Danny Tiatto, Paul Agostino, Brett Emerton

The squad trained at the match venue (ABSA Stadium) last night with Brett Emerton rested as a precautionary measure due to feet blisters though the Blackburn Rovers midfielder is still expected to take his place in the starting team.

11 players arrived in Durban on Monday with the remaining eight players arriving on Tuesday just 30 hours prior to the match.  

There were four withdrawals from the initial squad due to injuries suffered on the weekend with Tim Cahill, Josip Skoko, Kevin Muscat and Zeljko Kalac replaced by Archie Thompson, Luke Wilkshire and Clint Bolton. In 18 previous encounters between the two nations dating back to 1947, South Africa holds the upper hand with 11 wins, Australia has won 6 and there has been one draw.  In South Africa there has been five previous meetings, South Africa winning three and Australia winning the remaining two.

SOUTH AFRICA V AUSTRALIA Venue - ABSA Stadium, Durban Kick-off - Wednesday 9 February, 8.30pm (Thursday 10 February, 5.30am AEST)

TELEVISION - SBS TV will show the match LIVE with the telecast commencing at 5.15am (Eastern States), 4.45am (South Australia), 4.15am (Queensland) and on delay at 4.30am (Western Australia). A full replay will be shown in all states at 10pm.

RADIO - Live nationally on Radio Two (broadcast commences 5.15pm)

WEB: Football Federation Australia will have regular live updates throughout the match on the website - www.footballaustralia.com.au