Socceroos to play in CANBERRA!

Release from the FFA below:

The Qantas Socceroos will face Kuwait in their first home match of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage, presented by FOXTEL, at Canberra Stadium on Thursday 5 March 2009 (kick-off 8pm AEDT).




"This is a great opportunity for the people of Canberra to support the Qantas Socceroos in an important Asian Cup qualifier, and also to demonstrate the strength of their football support," said FFA Chief Commercial Officer, John O'Sullivan.

The Qantas Socceroos have been drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualification stage along with Indonesia, Kuwait and Oman. The top two teams from each group of the qualification stage will progress to the AFC Asian Cup 2011 which will be held in Qatar.

ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, welcomed the decision to have the Qantas Socceroos play this important match in the nation's capital.

“This match will be a highlight of the 2009 Sporting calendar in Canberra,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The Qantas Socceroos have captured the imagination of the Australian public and it’s now our turn to show our support. I’d encourage everyone to attend what will be a high quality game of international football and demonstrate to the FFA the strong following that football has in Canberra and the region”.

Australia’s match schedule for qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 involves:

§ 28 January 2009, Indonesia v Australia, Gelong Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia
§ 5 March 2009, Australia v Kuwait, Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia
§ 14 November 2009, Australia v Oman, Venue TBA, Australia
§ 18 November 2009, Oman v Australia, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat, Oman
§ 6 January 2010, Kuwait v Australia, International Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium, Kuwait City, Kuwait
§ 3 March 2010, Australia v Indonesia, Venue TBA, Australia

Australia needs to finish in the top two places of Group B to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 at the end of this round.

The last time the Socceroos played an international in Canberra was an Oceania Cup match on 1 November 1996 where Australia defeated Tahiti 5-0 in front of crowd of 9,421. The match was also the 84th and final international appearance for the long standing captain and striker Paul Wade. Current Canberra United Westfield W-League coach Robbie Hooker scored the opening goal of the match in the 11th minute.

Tickets for the match will go on sale to the Football Family from 9am (AEDT) Thursday 22 January and to the general public from 9am (AEDT) Friday 23 January from all Ticketek agencies, online and by phone.

All home Qantas Socceroos matches in the qualification stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2011 are proudly presented by FOXTEL.

All Qantas Socceroos matches are broadcast live and exclusive on FOX Sports.

ENDS

Match Details

AFC Asian Cup 2011 – Qualification Stage – Group B
Australia vs Kuwait
Thursday 5 March, 2009
Kick-Off 8:00pm AEDT (7:30pm ACDT, 7:00pm AEST, 6:00pm AWDT)
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Ticket Prices -
Category A - $60 – all tickets
Category B - $40 Adult, $20 Concession, $100 Family
Category C - $25 Adult, $15 Concession, $65 Family

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 - 2 Adults and 2 Children

On Sale Dates –
9am Thursday January 22, 2009 – Football Family priority offer (one day only)
9am Friday January 23, 2009 - General Public

Web: www.ticketek.com.au
Phone: 132 894
all Ticketek agencies.