Football's Anzac connection born
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, has hailed the inaugural Anzac Day Australia-Turkey friendly matches a success and believes it could one day stand alongside other football codes, and has also received a boost for Australia's bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, has hailed the inaugural Anzac Day Australia-Turkey friendly matches a success and believes it could one day stand alongside other football codes, and has also received a boost for Australia's bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup.
While the Australian U-17 team (Qantas Joeys) lost the two matches, both games in Canakkale were well supported and played in great spirit, befitting the Anzac tradition. The first match was held last Friday and the second match yesterday, a day after the Qantas Joeys attended the Australian Service at Lone Pine Cemetery.
Around 1,000 fans watched each of the matches, with Sunday-s game drawing vocal support and a carnival-like atmosphere, while the first was attended by Australian and Turkish government officials, including Australia's Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith and NSW Premier, Nathan Rees.
Buckley said the ultimate goal was to hold a senior series around the time and, with the AFL and NRL already hosting traditional Anzac Day fixtures, he was confident football could join those codes in forging a tradition.
“In time if we were to play a Qantas Socceroos match here in Turkey or in Australia around Anzac Day, I-m confident they would both be sell out matches,-- said Buckley, who added that the inaugural trip was a great experience for the Australian U-17 squad.
“But I think what-s important is we-ve got two nations that have a shared history, and this is a great way for us to learn about each other-s history and each other-s culture.
“We-re hopeful we can have a senior men's team match at some point in time, but it doesn-t quite work out at the moment with the FIFA dates the way they are, but we-ll discuss that with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF)."
Buckley said that next year it is Australia's turn to host the TFF, and discussions are already underway in relation to dates and venues and which age groups will line up in the series next year.
"The TFF has looked after the squad very well during their six days in Turkey and their hospitality is very appreciated.
"Importantly, it's also given us an opportunity to build relationships at different levels and I have been really delighted with the support for Australia's bid for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup that we have received from Turkish football officials, media and fans.
"Australia's capacity to host a FIFA World Cup, the interest in our players such as Harry Kewell and James Troisi, and the interest in our country all add up to a very strong popular vote," Buckley said.
"Everyone I've talked with has volunteered they want Australia to win [the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup] and have been very helpful in outlining our strengths as a bidder from their perspective."
The 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup is decided by the 24 member FIFA Executive Council in December 2010.
Buckley also said FFA appreciates the support of the Australian Institute of Sport for the Qantas Joeys European tour.
Anzac Day Australia-Turkey Friendly Football matches:
GAME 1: Friday 24 April Turkey (U-17) 1 (Ilker SAYAN ‘64) Qantas Joeys (U-17) 0
GAME 2: Sunday 26 April Turkey (U-17) 1 (Artun Akcakin -63, ‘81) Qantas Joeys (U-17) 1 (Kerem BULUT ‘48)