Australian players win hearts of Thai youngsters
Four Australian players, who were preparing for the World Cup qualifier against hosts Thailand next week, found time to conduct a clinic for Thai youngsters at Lumpini Youth Centre yesterday.
The quartet, Bournemouth goalkeeper Adam Federici, Preston North End defender Bailey Wright, FC Tokyo forward Nathan Burns and Norwegian giants Rosenborg’s Alex Gersbach were among the first group of Australian players to arrive in the capital to prepare for the fixture at Rajamangala National Stadium on November 15.
They will soon be joined by other members of the squad such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Robbie Kruse and fellow forward Tomi Juric, who plies his trade with FC Luzern in Switzerland’s topflight.
One of Australia’s most-celebrated players, Tim Cahill, though, was left out of the Socceroos’ travelling party as coach Ange Postecoglou, whose side lie second in Group B in Asian last-12 qualifying, wanted to give the former Everton star some rest.
The four started the day by signing the condolence book for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Lumpini Youth Centre before holding a clinic for 30 children from five other youth centres in Bangkok. They also gave representatives from each youth centre a football with their signatures.
“I am delighted we’re able to organise this clinic with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Lumpini Youth Centre. I also welcome the strong collaboration between the Football Association of Thailand and the Football Federation of Australia at this sad and difficult time for Thailand
“Sport is all about inspiration and striving for excellence. The match will capture the attention of Thai and Australian audiences and bring us together in a shared love of sport”, said Australian Ambassador Paul Robilliard.
Australia coach Postecoglou, who guided his team to Asian Cup triumph on home soil last year, shared similar sentiments.
“We are happy to be in Bangkok for the match at what is a difficult time for the people of Thailand. It is important that we respect the culture of Thailand and we look forward to our stay and the match.”
Going into their fifth Group B match with unbeaten record, Asian champions Australia, who are bidding to reach their fourth consecutive World Cup finals in Russia, will start the Rajamangala fixture as overwhelming favourites against a struggling Thai side that lost all their four group matches so far.
