Expatriate Australians and footie fans across the capital will be treated to an international show-down this coming October, as the Australian national football team takes on the United Arab Emirates’ squad.
Taking place at Al Jazira Sports Club, the southern hemisphere players will play the UAE national team, as part of their preparations for their next tournament, of which they are hosts, the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.
The friendly match on the 10th October will see Australian footballers from leagues like Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga and England’s Premier League.
The Australian Vice-Captain and talisman Tim Cahill, who plays in the MLS for the New York Red Bulls will also feature, taking on local star Omar Abdulrahman and the rest of the UAE team.
The Socceroos will continue with their preparations tour with a friendly match in Qatar on 14th October. Head coach, Ange Postecoglou, commented on the upcoming fixtures:
“We will get some good hit outs against Asian opposition to help us prepare for the Asian Cup,” said Postecoglou.
Football Federation Australia CEO, David Gallop, also commented:
“With Socceroo fans expected to make the journey from Down Under to the UAE capital for the match, we are working with the tourism authority to ensure they are fully versed with what the destination has to offer and get some great deals,” said Gallop. “For many, it will be there first time in the Arabian Gulf and we’re sure they’ll be excited at what they find.”
