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Socceroos Vs. Bafana Bafana a strong test
This Tuesday, March 30th, Australia will take on South Africa in their second match for 2004 and South Africa are being forced to field what would seem to be an understrength side.
Just nine of the players representing South Africa at the recent African Nations Cup have been selected ahead of the friendly match, a sign that coach Styles Phumo wasn't happy with the first round shock exit. However the squad does see four players return to the squad. Ajax midfielder Stephen Pienaar returns from injury while Charlton striker Shaun Bartlett, Monchengladbach (Germany) defender Bradley Carnell and Heerenveen (Netherlands) keeper Hans Vonk all return after international exile. A row with former South African coach Ephraim Mashaba the cause of their absence.
South Africa are looking at this match as a way to make something up for their poor African Nations Cup performance, a little consolation should they succeed.
Australia on the other hand have named a full strength line-up, including former Leeds teammates Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka. This time travelling won't be an issue and both should be available come kick-off.
The biggest news however is the naming of two players to debut for the green and gold. Millwall midfielder Tim Cahill, who has been cleared to play for Australia after disputing national alegience to Western Samoa. Cahill had played in an under 14's match for the small nation, almost 10 years ago now.
The second debutant is the brother of international Italian superstar Christian Vieri. Massimiliano (Max) Vierri will pull on the green and gold after showing true grit and determination as well as playing a telling hand for his Italian Serie B side Napoli on the weekend. The winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Torino caught Farina's eye once again.
Born in Australia, M. Vieri has apparently had Farina's eye for the past two seasons and believes he'll be able to develop and become an influential player for Australia.
"He is very keen," Farina said. "He is looking forward to it so I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be long-term ... It purely depends on how he will fit in and obviously how good a player he's going to be in terms of the group." (www.theworldgame.com.au)
The match is due for an 8pm kickoff in London, with coverage starting in Australia at 4:30 am (AEST) on SBS television.
Australia:
Goalkeepers - Zeljko Kalac (Perugia, Italy), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England)
Defenders - Steve Laybutt (Royal Excelsior Mouscron, Belgium), Craig Moore (Rangers, Scotland), Kevin Muscat (Millwall, England), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers, England), Tony Popovic (Crystal Palace, England), Tony Vidmar (Cardiff City, Wales)
Midfielders - Marco Bresciano (Parma, Italy), Tim Cahill (Millwall, England), Scott Chipperfield (FC Basel, Switzerland), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Harry Kewell (Liverpool FC, England), Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham City, England), Paul Okon (KV Oostende, Belgium), Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Mile Sterjovski (Lille, France)
Strikers - Paul Agostino (TSV 1860 Munchen, Germany), John Aloisi (Athletico Osasuna, Spain), Max Vieri (Napoli Societa Sportivo Calcio, Italy), Mark Viduka (Leeds United, England), David Zdrilic (Aberdeen, Scotland)
South Africa:
Goalkeepers - Hans Vonk (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Emille Baron (Lillestrom, Norway)
Defenders - Mbulelo Mabizela (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Thabang Molefe (Le Mans, France), Bradley Carnell (Monchengladbach, Germany), Jacob Lekgetho (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Aaron Mokoena (Genk, Belgium), Neil Winstanley (Wits University, South Africa)
Midfielders - Stephen Pienaar (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Sibusiso Zuma (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Japhet Zwane (FC Rostov, Russia), Lance Davids (1860 Munich, Germany), Bernard Mnguni (FC Rostov, Russia), Delron Buckley (VFL Bochum, Germany), Benedict Vilakazi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Strikers - George Koumentarakis (Preston North End, England), Siyabonga Nomvete (Salernitana, Italy), Shaun Bartlett (Charlton Athletic, England)
25 March, 2004 |
