Farina Delighted With Matches Against Turkey
Socceroo coach Frank Farina believes we couldn’t have got any better opposition after two matches against Turkey was confirmed for the end of May.
Socceroo coach Frank Farina (pictured right) believes we couldn-t have got any better opposition after two matches against Turkey was confirmed for the end of May. “They will be two really good couple of games,” said Farina, after the two matches were announced by the ASA Chairman Mr Frank Lowy earlier today. “You couldn-t get any better.” “Let-s face it, Turkey finished third at the last World Cup and were very unlucky to miss out on making the European Championships, so their credentials are second to none.” Turkey, who became available after they were surprisingly beaten by Latvia in the final play-off for a place at Euro 2004 in Portugal, will play the Socceroos in two matches on the 21st May at Aussie Stadium in Sydney and then on the 24th May at Telstra Dome in Melbourne. “Our players are really looking forward it, as not only are they playing against one of the top teams in the world (ranked 9 by FIFA), but we are playing at home for the first time in several years,” Farina said. “However while it is great to be playing against Turkey, the main games for us will be happening afterwards, so they will be very important preparation for us.” These two matches follow on from the match against South Africa on Tuesday 30th March that will be played in London at Loftus Road. Asked whether there would any problems getting the players back for these games, ASA Chief Executive Mr John O-Neill said, “We are confident the players have been given early notice of these games. “It was something like three months ago that the players were told these two games were on the schedule, so there has been a lot of warning. “We will be visiting London next week, principally to see the game between Australia and South Africa, but will take the opportunity to address the team on issues of match scheduling including these two matches.”