Farina Adopts Rotation Policy For Oceania Nations

Socceroo Coach Frank Farina will implement a rotation system throughout the Oceania Nations Cup, starting with three or four changes for tomorrow’s clash with New Caledonia at Ericsson Stadium.

Socceroo Coach Frank Farina will implement a rotation system throughout the Oceania Nations Cup, starting with three or four changes for tomorrow-s clash with New Caledonia at Ericsson Stadium.

The hectic schedule, which sees the Socceroos play five games in nine days, means Farina will give every player game time as Australia strives to qualify for the 2003 Confederations Cup.

Farina used 14 players in yesterday-s 2-0 win over Vanuatu and suggested that the remaining four players would take part in tomorrow-s match when he announces the line up later today.

“Everyone will play at some stage,” Farina said. “Five matches in nine days is a very difficult schedule so everyone will play a part. I haven-t seen the boys yet but at this stage I will probably make three or four changes (for the clash with New Caledonia).”

The Socceroos went through a recovery session this morning and Farina said there were no injuries out of last night-s game and the players showed very little ill effects despite many of them playing their first match in eight weeks.

The Socceroo coach will announce his starting side for the match against New Caledonia this afternoon with Dean Anastasiadis, Joel Porter, Angelo Costanzo and Ante Juric likely to figure after they did not get onto the park last night.

“We-ll have a run at training this afternoon and see how everyone is and then we-ll name a side to play New Caledonia,” Farina said.

While Vanuatu made Australia work hard to break them down last night, Farina is not expecting anything different tomorrow when play New Caledonia, who went down narrowly to Fiji 2-1.

The New Caledonians played an attacking style of game against Fiji and Farina believes they were unlucky after outplaying the Fijians in the second half.

“They (New Caledonia) are very similar to Tahiti,” Farina said. “They played some good football. It was an entertaining match (with Fiji) and New Caledonia created some good chances and had the better of the second half to be fair.”

While New Caledonia did take the game to Fiji it remains to be seen if they adopt a similar cavalier approach or they revert to the defensive tactics the Socceroos face against most Pacific Island nations.

With six players making their Socceroo debut last night Farina said he was happy with the way the side stuck to its guns against a very committed and strong defence.

The Socceroos did not take the lead until the 69th minute through Damien Mori, but as the game progressed the Australians warmed into the match and did not become frustrated by the defensive tactics of the Vanuatu team.

Patrick Kisnorbo, Jade North, Tom Pondeljak and Ante Milicic started the game as debutantes with Bobby Despotovski and Robert Middleby making their Socceroo debut as second half substitutes.

“I thought all six of the boys making their debut did well,” Farina said. “Patrick Kisnorbo was a bit of a stand out.”

Australia takes on New Caledonia at Ericsson Stadium tomorrow afternoon at 5.30pm (AEST). The Soccer Australia website will carry live match updates of the game.