The best June in Australia ever?

The football never stops does it? First Ghana in Sydney in May, then a World Cup Qualifier with China at the end of a jubilant June. In between a home World Cup game in Brisbane, and a couple of WCQ's against Qatar and Iraq away as well.

FFA Release and ticket details below.


QANTAS SOCCEROOS TO PLAY GHANA AND CHINA

2010 WORLD CUP DESTINY COULD BE DECIDED IN SYDNEY



The defining moment of the Australia’s 2010 World Cup campaign could take place in Sydney after today’s announcement of two blockbuster matches in May and June that will be presented by FOXTEL.

Australia will prepare for June’s vital 2010 World Cup qualifiers with an international match against African heavyweights Ghana at Sydney Football Stadium on Friday 23 May which will be a fitting prelude to the prestigious FIFA Congress that meets in Australia on 29 and 30 May.

In addition, the final of four matches in the current phase of 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign will see the Qantas Socceroos up against China at ANZ Stadium on Sunday 22 June.

FOXTEL is principal presenting sponsor for both matches while FOX SPORTS will provide exclusive telecast coverage.

"The FFA is delighted that the May/June period will see football front and centre with the FIFA Congress and an exciting schedule of Qantas Socceroos matches," said CEO Ben Buckley.

"Ghana is one of the top 20 nations in the world and will provide us with ideal preparation ahead of the four vital World Cup qualifiers to follow."

Ghana has long been regarded one of the top nations in African football and, in addition to reaching the final 16 at the 2006 World Cup, they have been crowned African champions on four occasions. The ‘Black Stars’, who are currently the highest ranked African team at 15, boast a number of major European-based stars including Michael Essien (Chelsea), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth) and Stephen Appiah (Fernerbahce).

"I’d like to acknowledge the support of the NSW Government which has proved once again to be great supporters of football," Buckley added.

In the first two matches of the 2010 qualification journey, Australia defeated Qatar 3-0 in the opening match in Melbourne in February, and drew 0-0 away to China last week.

If Australia finishes in the top two in the group they currently lead, they will progress to the fourth and final phase of Asian qualifying where they will be in a group of five nations with the top two progressing to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The FFA also confirmed that the first of the four World Cup qualifying games to be held in June will be against Iraq at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 1 June.
All the Qantas Socceroos matches will be shown live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
FOXTEL is the presenting partner of Australia's World Cup qualification journey.
ENDS


QANTAS SOCCEROOS MATCH SCHEDULE

Australia v Ghana
International Friendly
Friday 23 May 2008
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Australia v Iraq
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification Match
Sunday 1 June 2008
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Iraq v Australia
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification Match
7 June 2008
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Qatar v Australia
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification Match
14 June 2008
Doha, Qatar

Australia v China
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification Match
Sunday 22 June 2008
ANZ Stadium, Sydney


Ticket information:
Australia v Ghana
Friday 23rd May 2008
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick Off 8pm
Gates Open 6pm

Ticket Prices -
Category A - $80 – all tickets
Category B - $60 Adult, $30 Concession, $150 Family
Category C - $40 Adult, $20 Concession, $100 Family

2-Match Pass with China
Category A - $160 - all tickets
Category B - $115 Adult, $55 Concession, $285 Family
Category C - $75 Adult, $35 Concession, $185 Family
Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST & Booking Fee. Transaction charges may apply.
Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child)
Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards
Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required)
Child - 4–16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)
Family Definition
2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children
Ticket Limit - 8 per customer

On Sale Dates – Both single tickets and 2 match pass available
Football Family - 9am Monday April 14th - 9pm Tuesday April 15th – All sales channels MyTicketek Internet Pre-sale - 9am - 9pm Wednesday April 16th - Internet only
General Public - 9am Thursday 17th April – All sales channels

Via Ticketek
Phone 132 849
All Ticketek Outlets
www.ticketek.com.au


Australia v China
Sunday 22nd June 2008
ANZ Stadium
Kick Off 6pm
Gates Open 4pm

Ticket Prices -
Category A - $90 – all tickets
Category B - $65 Adult, $35 Concession, $165 Family
Category C - $45 Adult, $25 Concession, $115 Family

2-Match Pass with Ghana
Category A - $160 - all tickets
Category B - $115 Adult, $55 Concession, $285 Family
Category C - $75 Adult, $35 Concession, $185 Family
Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST & Booking Fee. Transaction charges may apply.
Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child)
Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards
Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required)
Child - 4–16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)
Family Definition
2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children
Ticket Limit - 8 per customer.

On Sale Dates –
2 Match Pass – on sale from 9am Monday 14th April until 9pm Friday 2nd May.
Football Family - 9am Monday May 5th - 9pm Tuesday May 6th – All sales channels
General Public - 9am Wednesday 7th May – All sales channels

Via Ticketek
Phone 132 849
All Ticketek Outlets
www.ticketek.com.au