Sydney and NSW score huge football goals on the road to Brazil

Both matches will be played at ANZ Stadium in Sydney’s west, with the Matchday 7 qualifier against Oman to take place on Tuesday 26 March 2013 and the Matchday 10 qualifier against Iraq to take place on Tuesday 18 June 2013.

Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said this is another major events win for Western Sydney.

“I’m pleased to also announce today that Sydney and ANZ Stadium will host two of the Qantas Socceroos’ four home qualifiers,” Mr Stoner said.

“As Australia’s global tourism and events city, Sydney is a fitting destination for these 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualification matches.

“Given the tough competition in Asia, the Socceroos’ chances of securing qualification to the FIFA World Cup could once again all come down to the final group game, and just like in 2005 it will be happening at Sydney’s major event showpiece venue.”

The Qantas Socceroos are aiming to secure direct qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil by finishing in the first two places in their group that includes Japan, Iraq, Jordan and Oman.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley thanked the NSW Government, Destination NSW and ANZ Stadium for their wonderful support of Australian football and urged all Socceroos fans to make the Sydney matches special occasions.

“The home matches are crucial on the road to Brazil and we know the Socceroos get a real lift from vocal and passionate football fans across Australia,” said Mr Buckley.

“With so much at stake I know the supporters will make Sydney’s ANZ Stadium a green and gold cauldron for these qualifiers.”

The Qantas Socceroos played three qualifiers at ANZ Stadium in the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign, attracting an aggregate audience of over 190,000.

Current Qantas Socceroo Brett Emerton, who’s also an FFA and ANZ Stadium ambassador, welcomed the confirmation of the two FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers for Sydney.

“The Socceroos get a fabulous reception everywhere, but it’s special for me to be able to play in my home town in front of family and friends,” said Emerton.

“Sydney and ANZ Stadium will always have that special history with that unforgettable night against Uruguay in 2005, but we need to do it all again to make sure Australia qualifies for Brazil in 2014.”

ANZ Stadium Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said he was thrilled that Sydney would get to host two of the Socceroos’ important World Cup qualifiers on the road to Brazil.

“These games will enthral the Australian sporting public as the Socceroos strive for a third successive World Cup finals appearance,” Mr Kerry said.

“ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park is a venue steeped in Australian football history. It’s where it all began in terms of modern-day Socceroo milestones.

“Who will ever forget that John Aloisi penalty and the historic shootout against Uruguay in 2005 - and who will be the hero this time as the Australian Socceroos strive to seal a place in Brazil'”

Ticketing details for the ANZ Stadium matches will be announced shortly.

Sydney Match Details

Qantas Socceroos vs Oman
Tuesday 26 March, 2013
ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Kick-Off: TBA

Qantas Socceroos vs Iraq
Tuesday 18 June 2013
ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
Kick-Off: TBA

2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers 4th phase fixtures in attachment below.