Sydney To Host Oceania Nations Cup Final

The Australian Soccer Association today announced that Aussie Stadium in Sydney will play host to the Socceroos home match against the Solomon Islands in the final of the Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12 October.

The Australian Soccer Association today announced that Aussie Stadium in Sydney will play host to the Socceroos home match against the Solomon Islands in the final of the Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12 October.   The home-and-away series will decide which nation will represent Oceania at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Germany in June next year. All of the other seven positions at the tournament have been filled with Germany (as hosts), Brazil (as world champions), Tunisia (as African champions), Greece (as European champions), Mexico (as winners of the CONCACAF Gold Cup), Japan (as winners of the Asian Cup) and Argentina (as runners up to Brazil in the Copa America) waiting for the Oceania champion.   Australia and Solomon Islands reached the final of the OFC Nations Cup by finishing first and second after Stage Two of the competition held in Adelaide during June. In a thrilling final game the two nations finished their match in a 2-all draw.   Solomon Islands will host the first leg of the series in Honiara on Saturday 9 October before the return match in Sydney three days later.   ASA Chief Executive John O'Neill said that this series is a must-win as part of Australia's preparations to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.   "It's vital that we win this series and qualify for the Confederations Cup as it will give us a chance to play quality matches against nations such as Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Japan and Greece," said O'Neill.   "This is a crucial part of the journey to Germany and the FIFA World Cup. It's the last chance to see the Australian national team in action on home soil this year."   "With the first leg away in Honiara we will need the support of Australia's sports fans to get us home in the second leg in Sydney."   Socceroos coach Frank Farina (pictured above) said the Solomon Islands will prove to be a challenging opponent.   "The Solomons had a fantastic tournament in Adelaide and have improved a lot," said Farina.   "Over in Honiara they receive fanatical support so we need to get the Australian fans to Aussie Stadium to support us. It's a fantastic venue to watch football and it will no doubt be an entertaining match. There is a lot at stake."   The ASA has introduced a special "Football Family" offer giving the Australian soccer community the unique opportunity to buy tickets prior to them going on sale to the public.   "We wanted to give the players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and all the people involved in the game the first opportunity to buy tickets to see Australia's best players in action," added O'Neill.   A family ticket will be available for as little as $40 when they go on sale to the public on Tuesday 14 September. ASA is urging fans to buy tickets early to avoid delays on the night of the match.   MATCH DETAILS   Australia v Solomon Islands OFC Nations Cup Final - Second Leg 7.30pm, Tuesday 12 October 2004 Aussie Stadium, Sydney   The winner of the series will be Oceania's representative at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Germany during June.   TICKETING DETAILS   Tickets will go on sale to the public at 9am on Tuesday 14 September from all Ticketek outlets, (02) 9266 4800 or www.ticketek.com.au   Adult Concession Family CATEGORY A $50 N/A N/A CATEGORY B $35 $17.50 $70 CATEGORY C $20 $10 $40   *          A $7.95 transaction fee per booking applies.