Qantas Young Socceroos to play Portugal

The Qantas Young Socceroos will meet the Portugal U-20 Men’s National team in two international friendly matches in Lisbon on the 11 & 14 October 2012.

Football Federation Australia and the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (Portuguese Football Federation) have announced that the Qantas Young Socceroos will meet the Portugal U-20 men-s national team in two international friendly matches in Lisbon on the 11 & 14 October 2012.

Qantas Young Socceroos head coach Paul Okon will be using these matches as another important part of his squad-s preparations for the upcoming AFC U-19 Championship which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from 1-17 November 2012.

“It is an honour and privilege to receive and accept an invitation to play the Portuguese U-20 National team in Lisbon,” Okon said.

“Portugal have already qualified for next year-s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey so they will be a very tough challenge.

“For us this will be the first time the majority of our overseas-based players will join the group and since these matches fall on FIFA dates their clubs will release the players for these games.

“This will be a great opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition ahead of the AFC U-19 Championship which begin next month,” Okon concluded.

Okon will name his Qantas Young Socceroos squad for the two international friendlies against Portugal next week.

Upcoming match details Portugal U-20 National Team v Qantas Young Socceroos 11 October 2012 Venue: Municipal Stadium, Mafra, Portugal Kick-off time: TBC

Portugal U-20 National Team v Qantas Young Socceroos 14 October 2012 National Stadium, Jamor, Lisbon, Portugal Kick-off time: TBC