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.

"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, June 1.

"The FFA is delighted that the Qantas Socceroos will play their next World Cup qualifying match in Brisbane," said CEO Ben Buckley.

"Australia has only played one previous World Cup qualifier in Brisbane and that was in 1992 so we expect their will be huge anticipation ahead of this match.

"When the team played in a friendly match at Suncorp Stadium in 2006 there were almost 50,000 fans in attendance and gave the team a terrific acknowledgment of their success at the World Cup.

"We look forward to the Queensland fans inspiring the team towards the 2010 World Cup."

Iraq are the Champions of Asian having won the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, defeating Australia 3-1 in Bangkok en route to the championship.

Queensland Minister for Sport, Judy Spence, said this is sure to be big event for Queensland fans.

"This is a great opportunity for Queensland sports fans to witness a full strength Socceroos team attempting to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa," she said.

"Football is one of Queensland’s most popular sports and football’s popularity will continue to grow in Queensland on the back of this match.

"The popularity of the Queensland Roar continues to grow with this season’s average crowd of 16,950 per match the second highest in the A-League.

"Suncorp Stadium is regarded as one of the best stadia around and I am sure Queenslanders will be out in force to support the Socceroos.

"This match will benefit the local economy through accommodation, hospitality, transport and other sectors. That's not to mention the fact Brisbane will be seen by millions of television viewers around the world," Ms Spence said.

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

Australia vs. Iraq
Sunday 1st June 2008
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick Off 5pm
Gates Open 3pm

Ticket Prices -
Category A - $90 all tickets
Category B - $65 Adult, $35 Concession, $165 Family
Category C - $45 Adult, $25 Concession, $115 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 –
Football Family - 9am Monday April 14th - 9pm Tuesday April 15th – All sales channels
General Public - 9am Wednesday 16th April – All sales channels

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


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