MCG to host final 2010 World Cup qualifier

Australia’s final home match in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers will be held in Melbourne. They will meet Japan at the MCG on Wednesday 17 June 2009 in what is considered by football experts to be a blockbuster match.

Australia-s final home match in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers will be held in Melbourne.

Australia will meet Japan at the MCG on Wednesday 17 June 2009 in what is considered by football experts to be a blockbuster match.

“This is the final match for the Socceroos in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the one that could determine whether we qualify directly for the World Cup or not,” said Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley.

Australia-s other opponents in round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers are Bahrain, Qatar and Uzbekistan.

"Playing in the FIFA World Cup is an ambition shared by the entire nation and we-re looking forward to a full house and vocal support from people all over Victoria to help the players on the journey to South Africa."

Victorian Tourism and Major Events Minister, Tim Holding, said that the Brumby Government is thrilled to have the Socceroos back in Melbourne.

“Australia started its 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign in Melbourne against Qatar earlier this year so it is fitting that the final qualifying match is played here next year.”

“The Brumby Government is continuing to attract major international sporting events to Melbourne and boost visitors from interstate and overseas,” Mr Holding said.

“Melbourne is the major events capital of the world and this World Cup Qualifier will further enhance our reputation for hosting outstanding international sporting events.”

Qantas Socceroo and Celtic striker, Scott McDonald, who is in Brisbane preparing for this week-s World Cup qualifier, said that the team depends on a big crowd to support them at home games.

“It-s wonderful to see a sea of gold at home and a big, vocal and enthusiastic crowd can really make a difference.

“Melbourne is my home town and I know there-s nothing in the world like a big MCG crowd,” said McDonald

Australia-s schedule for round 4 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers involves:

? 15 October 2008, Australia v Qatar, Brisbane ? 19 November 2008, Bahrain v Australia ? 11 February 2009, Japan v Australia, Sydney ? 1 April 2009, Australia v Uzbekistan ? 6 June 2009, Qatar v Australia ? 10 June 2009, Australia v Bahrain, Sydney ? 17 June 2009, Australia v Japan, Melbourne

The Socceroos won their first match in round 4 last month against Uzbekistan in Tashkent, and is currently equal second in the group behind next week-s opponent, Qatar.

Australia needs to finish in the top two of its group to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the end of this round.

Tickets are set to go on sale in November, with FFA set to announce further details later.