Thompson desperate to be ready for World Cup qualifiers

Socceroos striker Archie Thompson says he is desperate to be fit and ready when Australia's next 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers take place in June, presented by FOXTEL.

Socceroos striker Archie Thompson says he is desperate to be fit and ready when Australia's next 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers take place in June, presented by FOXTEL.

With tickets going on sale to the general public tomorrow for the blockbuster match against Asian champions Iraq in Brisbane on 1 June, Thompson has indicated that he is focussed on getting back to action as soon as possible.

"I've allowed the injury to heal and now I have started some light exercising," said Thompson, who was helped from the field after a crunching tackle in the previous 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier away to China last month.

"My aim is to be back in time to play in the Champions League for Melbourne and be available for all of the international matches."

Thompson said that the match will hold extra significance with Iraq having defeated Australia 3-1 en route to winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

"We were taught a valuable lesson that day and for the whole tournament about how difficult it is to play in Asia, as well as against other countries in the Asian region," added Thompson.

"In the Champions League it has been very difficult too so nothing can be taken for granted."

"Iraq are the champions of Asia yet they are on the bottom of the qualifying group which just shows how tough getting to the World Cup is."

"They will be desperate to get a win and put themselves back in contention.

"We will need to get a good result in Brisbane to give us the best chance of going through to the next phase of qualifying."

Only 20,000 tickets will go on sale to the general public tomorrow with a large number of the Football Family snapping up tickets during their exclusive purchase period.

Tickets to the general public start from as little as $25 and will be on sale from 9am on Wednesday 16 April from all Ticketek outlets, by phone on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au

All the Socceroos matches will be shown live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.

FOXTEL are the presenting partner of Australia's World Cup qualification journey.

Australia vs. Iraq Sunday 1st June 2008 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Kick Off 5pm Gates Open 3pm

Ticket Prices -

Category A - $90 all tickets Category B - $65 Adult, $35 Concession, $165 Family Category C - $45 Adult, $25 Concession, $115 Family Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST & Booking Fee. Transaction charges may apply.

Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child) Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required) Child - 4-16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)

Family Definition 2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children

Ticket Limit - 8 per customer

On Sale Dates -

Football Family - 9am Monday April 14th - 9pm Tuesday April 15th - All sales channels General Public - 9am Wednesday 16th April - All sales channels

Via Ticketek Phone 132 849 All Ticketek Outlets www.ticketek.com.au