Socceroos to play rematch against Uruguay

The Socceroos will play an historic international rematch against arch rival Uruguay at Telstra Stadium on Saturday 2 June. The World Cup qualifying playoff on 16 November 2005 was a moment etched in the memory of every proud Australian and the South Americans will return looking to exact revenge.

The Socceroos will play an historic international rematch against arch rival Uruguay at Telstra Stadium on Saturday 2 June.

The World Cup qualifying playoff on 16 November 2005 was a moment etched in the memory of every proud Australian and the South Americans will return looking to exact revenge.

“Those that were at Telstra Stadium when Australia qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 32 years will never forget the atmosphere of that occasion. It would give the team a massive boost ahead of the Asian Cup if they received the same support this year,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

“The Road to the Asian Cup starts in London next week when the team plays Denmark and will culminate with two very important matches in Australia,” added Buckley.

While the Socceroos will be preparing for their first appearance at the finals of the Asian Cup, Uruguay will also be fine-tuning ahead of their region-s showpiece football tournament, the Copa America.

Australia qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup when it defeated Uruguay in a dramatic penalty shootout. Uruguay had previously knocked Australia out of the 2002 FIFA World Cup when they won 3-1 on aggregate.

NSW Premier, Morris Iemma welcomed the news that NSW football fans would have the chance to relive the most memorable night in our sporting history.

“That magical night at Telstra stadium in 2005 is still fresh in the minds of all Australians, especially those who were lucky enough to witness it live,” Mr Iemma said.

“It is only fitting that Sydney will now host the next chapter in what is becoming a classic sporting rivalry between the Socceroos v Uruguay.”

In another boost for NSW football fans, it was also announced today that Sydney has secured another series of international Football blockbuster playoff matches.

If Australia is required to participate in a final round of play-off matches during 2009 as part of the Asian Football Confederation qualifying path in order to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, these playoff games will be held in Sydney.

These matches are in addition to the two fixtures per annum already confirmed in NSW through 2009 - including 2010 FIFA World Cup Preliminary and Final round Qualification matches in 2008 and 2009.

Tickets will go on sale in early March, preceded by a priority offer to the Football Family.

The match will be live and exclusive on FOX Sports.