Brisbane Roar youngsters Kofi Danning, Matt Jurman and Mitch Nichols have been chosen in the Qantas Olyroos squad for the upcoming London 2012 AFC Asian Qualifiers third round matches against Iraq and Uzbekistan.
Brisbane Roar youngsters Kofi Danning, Matt Jurman and Mitch Nichols have been chosen in the Qantas Olyroos squad for the upcoming London 2012 AFC Asian Qualifiers third round matches against Iraq and Uzbekistan.
The side drew 0-0 with the UAE in their first qualifying match at Adelaide-s Hindmarsh Stadium two months ago and Jurman knows collecting maximum points, especially in Qatar, is crucial if they want to qualify for London 2012.
“Losing two points was not the most ideal start to the campaign and the pressure is on for us now,” he said.
“We need to try and get the six points if possible while we-re away and I-m pretty confident that we can.”
Under the guidance of Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar, the Qantas Olyroos will play the first match against Iraq on Tuesday 22 November in Doha, Qatar.
Given the different culture and environment the squad will be heading into, Jurman anticipated a tough challenge ahead.
“It-s going to be different for a lot of us who-ve never been over there,” he said.
“I-ve never been there but I-ve been to Saudi Arabia once so it could be a bit similar.
“It-s going to be hot so at least the training sessions here in Brisbane will have helped us out a bit.
“Looking forward to seeing a new country and having a new experience and hopefully getting the three points.”
Following the Iraq clash, the squad will travel back to Australia to take on Uzbekistan in Parramatta Stadium, New South Wales and Jurman is thankful the squad has a chance to play the two matches in quick succession.
“It-s definitely going to be good for the team because it-s not easy coming together as a squad after being away for so long,” Jurman said.
“Trying to get the team playing as one and in the same rhythm of the way they want us to play in the Olyoos can be hard after time apart.”
The match will hold special significance for the former Sydney FC player, who will get the chance to represent his country in his hometown.
“I think the game in Sydney is important for us,” Jurman said.
“Especially for me, getting to play in front of my friends and family with an Australian jersey on.”
The Roar trio will depart on Monday, following Brisbane-s round six fixture against Wellington Phoenix and will return to club duties in time to face Sydney FC away in the first week of December.
The teams in each group of the third round of qualifying play in a home-and-away format from 21 September 2011, to 14 March 14, 2012, with the winner of each group directly qualifying for the London 2012 Olympic Games Football competition.
The three second-placed teams from the third round will clash in a playoff at a centralised venue from March 25 to 29, 2012, and the winners of this group will meet the representatives of CAF (Africa) for a berth in the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 London Games match between the Qantas Australian Under 23s and Uzbekistan will also be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS.
Qantas Australia U23 squad: Aziz BEHICH (Melbourne Heart), Mark BIRIGHITTI (Adelaide United), Oliver BOZANIC (Central Coast Mariners), James BROWN (Gold Coast United), Kofi DANNING (Brisbane Roar), Mate DUGANDZIC (Melbourne Heart), Matthew FOSCHINI (Melbourne Victory), Rhyan GRANT (Sydney FC), Jason HOFFMAN (Melbourne Heart), Marko JESIC (Newcastle Jets), Matthew JURMAN (Brisbane Roar), Brad McDONALD (Central Coast Mariners), Dylan McGOWAN (Gold Coast United), Daniel MULLEN (Adelaide United), Mitch NICHOLS (Brisbane Roar), Dimitrios PETRATOS (Sydney FC), Sebastian RYALL (Sydney FC), Mathew RYAN (Central Coast Mariners), Adam TAGGART (Sydney FC)
