holicman
02-21-2006, 02:38 AM
The Socceroos have suffered a blow ahead of their opening Asian Cup qualifier in Bahrain with the news that experienced defender Tony Vidmar (pictured) has been ruled out of Thursday morning's (AEDT) match.
The NAC Breda veteran is suffering from a hip-flexor injury, and was unable to join up with the first group of Australian internationals who arrived in the Persian Gulf on Monday (AEDT).
The day was spent acclimatising on the Island State ahead of the historic encounter against Bahrain. A tough match is expected, with the hosts able to call on a majority of the overseas-based stars that took it to the brink of World Cup qualification.
The eight A-League-based Socceroos formed Australia's advanced guard, with five European-based players joining them later in the day.
The squad, to be co-coached by assistants Johan Neeskens and Graham Arnold in the absence of head coach Guus Hiddink, bears little resemblance to the one which beat Uruguay to qualify for the finals in Germany.
And for many, it presents a chance to impress in the green-and-gold.
Perth Glory striker Nick Ward stated "I just want to prove that I should be here and I can take the next step up."
Fellow debutant, Central Coast's Michael Beauchamp added: "I'm not to sure if I'm going to get a start yet, but it's great to be here in the senior squad."
courtesy of twg.com.au
The NAC Breda veteran is suffering from a hip-flexor injury, and was unable to join up with the first group of Australian internationals who arrived in the Persian Gulf on Monday (AEDT).
The day was spent acclimatising on the Island State ahead of the historic encounter against Bahrain. A tough match is expected, with the hosts able to call on a majority of the overseas-based stars that took it to the brink of World Cup qualification.
The eight A-League-based Socceroos formed Australia's advanced guard, with five European-based players joining them later in the day.
The squad, to be co-coached by assistants Johan Neeskens and Graham Arnold in the absence of head coach Guus Hiddink, bears little resemblance to the one which beat Uruguay to qualify for the finals in Germany.
And for many, it presents a chance to impress in the green-and-gold.
Perth Glory striker Nick Ward stated "I just want to prove that I should be here and I can take the next step up."
Fellow debutant, Central Coast's Michael Beauchamp added: "I'm not to sure if I'm going to get a start yet, but it's great to be here in the senior squad."
courtesy of twg.com.au