Australia consider boycott
ByReuters
Published 17/03/2007 at 23:26 GMT
Some of Australia's top players are reportedly considering boycotting international friendlies against Argentina and Uruguay because they are unhappy at the timing of the matches.
FOOTBALL Craig Moore Australia
Image credit: Imago
Australia are due to play Uruguay in Sydney on June 2 and Argentina in Melbourne four days later as part of their preparations for the Asian Cup, to be staged in south-east Asia in July.
Several senior players, including captain Mark Viduka, wanted the matches played later so they could have a break after the end of their European club seasons.
"You need a rest and after our schedule over the past few years, it's a bit too much. It's like flogging a dead horse," Viduka told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph.
"It's just bad timing to be honest. Everybody would love to play in those games, but we're not getting any younger."
Defender Craig Moore told the same newspaper he was unsure whether Australia would field their best line-up for the two matches.
"It's one of those where I don't think a lot of thought went into organising the games and I don't know what sort of squad will be assembled," Moore said.
Australia coach Graham Arnold said he sympathised with the players but was expecting them all to be available.
"All the players I pick for the Asian Cup, I want available at those games as well," Arnold said. "Those games are critical for preparation for the Asian Cup."
Australia will be competing in the Asian Cup for the first time since leaving the Oceania Football Confederation and are among the favourites to win the title.
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