Farina Names Strong Line-up For Important Clash

Socceroos coach Frank Farina has named a strong squad mixed with experience and youth for the all-important clash with the Solomon Islands at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow night.

The first stage of the Socceroos march towards Germany 2006 comes to a close tomorrow when Australia host the Solomon Islands in the final match of the preliminary stage of the 2004 OFC Nations Cup.

Having already confirmed their qualification for the next stage, the Socceroos match against the tournament surprise packets at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow promises to be an intriguing affair, given the weight the outcome of the match has on the final make up of the competition.

The Solomons, assuming New Zealand emerge victorious from their curtain raiser clash with Fiji, will need to salvage at least a point from their clash with Australia to make sure of their qualification for the next stage of World Cup matches.

Coach Frank Farina today announced his starting eleven for the match, in a clear statement that shows how difficult the Solomons task will be.

Farina will rest incumbent skipper Tony Vidmar for the final group match, along with Vince Grella, David Zdrilic and Australia-s latest Qantas Socceroo - David Tarka.

Coming into the starting line up is Partick Thistle defender Adrian Madaschi, who has impressed in his starts thus far, as well as fellow under 23 Patrick Kisnorbo, Max Vieri (pictured above) and goal scoring prodigy Tim Cahill.

Socceroos starting line-up versus Solomon Islands: Zeljko Kalac (gk), Jade North, Adrian Madaschi, Patrick Kisnorbo, Stan Lazaridis, Brett Emerton, Josip Skoko, Tim Cahill, Alex Brosque, John Aloisi, Max Vieri

The Solomon Islands are buzzing with excitement following their dramatic 2-1 over Fiji last night, a result that has kept their faint World Cup ambitions alive.

Few will deny the Solomons their lofty place at the 2004 OFC Nations Cup and coming into tomorrow-s clash, Alan Gillett-s men know that a draw will comfortably see them through to the next stage.

Key players for the Solomons include the NSL pedigree of Batram Suri, Commins Menapi and Henry Fa-arodo, who have contributed five of the Solomons seven goals in this tournament between them.

Wide men Alick Maemae and Stanley Waita are also ones to look out for, as they have been in sensational form from start to finish in Adelaide so far.

History does not paint a positive picture for the Solomons, who have conceded 33 goals in their past six meetings with the Socceroos.

The most recent match up was in Papeete for the 2000 OFC Nations Cup, where the Australians ran out comfortable 6-0 winners before claiming the Cup later on.

Most famously, the Socceroos hammered the Solomons 13-0 at Parramatta Stadium in 1997, with Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich featuring amongst the scorers.