FIFA World Cup 2006 - Re-writing Socceroos History - A walk through old FIFA Games

[NicCarBel]

Australia finished atop the table of the OFC Nations Cup, which included a 4-1 victory over Tahiti - but Tahiti surprised the world with a 2-1 victory in Pirae. Australia must win their home leg in Sydney, but crucially have an away goal in their pocket.

The winner of the OFC Nations Cup Final will also go on to represent the OFC at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany, prior to the OFC World Cup Qualifying Playoff.

Australia will face Tahiti again over two legs after the FIFA Confederations Cup - with Australia hosting the first leg - and the winner advancing to the CONMEBOL-OFC Playoff for the final 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification spot.

16 April @ 7pm AEST

 

[NicCarBel]

Australia were able to turn the tables back over Tahiti after their shock first leg loss, to record a 3-2 victory on aggregate to win the 2004 OFC Nations Cup.

As winners of the OFC Nations Cup, the Socceroos will also go on to represent the OFC at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany, prior to the OFC World Cup Qualifying Playoff, but first they'll prepare with a series of Friendlies both home and abroad - with Bulgaria first up in London.
Australia v Bulgaria - 18 April @ 6am AEST


Earlier in the year, with the release of the Crawford Report, Soccer Australia has been wound up, with the Australian Soccer Association now forming the governing body for soccer in Australia.

One of the Australian Soccer Association first point of orders was to explore a move out of the Oceanian Football Confederation, into the Asian Football Confederation - citing disagreements with FIFA over OFC's qualification slots as the primary issue.

Despite strong performances in both 1998 and 2002, OFC still have not been rewarded with an automatic slot for the 2006 FIFA World Cup - with the move to be discussed by the AFC Executive Committee in March 2005.

Cameroon v Australia - April 19 @ 5am AEST


Australia v Latvia - April 20 @ 8pm AEST


Australia v Japan - April 21 @ 8pm AEST


Australia v Czech Republic - April 22 @ 6am

 

[NicCarBel]

At the FIFA Confederations Cup, Australia have been drawn into Group A with hosts Germany, followed by 2002 FIFA World Cup winners Portugal, with the group wrapping up with African champions Tunisia.

Group B sees European Champions Greece, Copa America Champions Brazil, CONCACAF Gold Cup Champions Mexico and Asian Cup Champions Japan face off.

Australian coach Frank Farina has allowed midfielders Marco Bresciano and Vince Grella to skip the Confederations Cup in Germany later this month because of club commitments.

Bresciano and Grella's Italian club Parma has Serie A relegation playoffs during the Confederations Cup from June 15-29.

Parma had asked Farina to release the two players from international duty, with Farina leaving both out of his 23-man squad.

"I decided it was best for the team as they prepare for the Confederations Cup and the World Cup qualifiers later in the year and in the best interests of the players that they not be selected," Farina said.

"It's a difficult situation for all involved.

"Both players love playing for their country and at the same time feel a responsibility to help their club.

"It's a shame they'll miss the tournament but it will give others an opportunity to step up."

Farina has included Sydney FC striker David Zdrilic, who is currently playing in the Oceania Club World Championship qualifiers in Tahiti, and Osasuna striker John Aloisi, whose club plays in the Spanish Cup final this weekend.

Farina has also called up Australian-based duo Simon Colosimo and Archie Thompson, but has bypassed German-based veteran striker Paul Agostino.

Australia: John Aloisi, Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, Simon Colosimo, Jason Culina, Ahmad Elrich, Brett Emerton, Zeljko Kalac, Jon McKain, Ljubo Milicevic, Craig Moore, Kevin Muscat, Lucas Neill, Michael Petkovic, Tony Popovic, Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko, Mile Sterjovski, Archie Thompson, Tony Vidmar, Mark Viduka, Luke Wilkshire, David Zdrilic.

Germany v Australia - April 23 @ 4am AEST


Portugal v Australia - April 24 @ 5:45am AEST


Australia v Tunisia - April 25 @ 6:45am AEST