Sunday, June 5, 2011

| by

0

05.06. (Sun) 09:30 Australia - New Zealand

DID YOU KNOW?

Australia defeated Germany 2-1 in their only international match since finishing runners-up at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

The Socceroos haven't been beaten in normal-time since losing 3-0 to Egypt last November.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who is ommited from this squad, is Australia's most capped player with 89 appearances. Brett Emerton is equal fourth with 84 caps.

Striker Archie Thompson, who could start against the All Whites, once scored 13 goals in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against American Samoa.

New Zealand haven't won an international match since defeating Serbia 1-0 in a 2010 World Cup warm-up match in May last year. The All Whites are winless in their past eight internationals.

The last time the All Whites scored more than one goal in a friendly was way back in September 2009.

New Zealand were the only undefeated team at the 2010 World Cup.

These two nations have met 61 times, with Australia victorious on 37 occasions, while New Zealand have had 13 wins.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Australia (4-4-2):
Coe; Williams, Spiranovic, McKain, Zullo; Holman, Kilkenny, Valeri, Emerton; Thompson, Kennedy

Socceroos regulars Mark Schwarzer, David Carney and Tim Cahill were left out of this Australia squad by Holger Osieck due to injuries, while Harry Kewell's lack of form saw him overlooked. Australia skipper Lucas Neill is in doubt for this clash too, due to a groin injury.

Osieck has indicated he'll field two virtually separate sides in his two friendlies against New Zealand and then Serbia on Tuesday. The German has said he'll offer opportunities to youngsters against New Zealand with Rhys Williams, Matt Spiranovic, Michael Zullo and James Troisi pushing for a start.

New Zealand (4-4-2):
Moss; Mulligan, Sigmund, Boyens, Fitzgerald; Wood, McGlinchey, Brown, Brockie; Barbarouses, Smeltz

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert has several headaches for this clash, following the 3-0 loss to Mexico on Thursday. The team are jet lagged after their long flight from the United States, while there's several fresh injury concerns too.

The All Whites are already without skipper Ryan Nelsen due to a long-term knee problem, while Mark Paston, Tony Lochhead, Winston Reid, Simon Elliott, Rory Fallon and Simon Elliott all miss through injury. Veteran Ivan Vicelich is unavailable too, as he's returned to Auckland to attend his sister's wedding.

Prediction

Australia 2-1 New Zealand