Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Asian Cup Games Canberra - Sydney Morning Herald


Canberra will host six games and a quarter-final of the 2015 Asian Cup, but that won't include a visit from the Socceroos.


Canberra Stadium was this morning announced as one of five venues for the tournament to be staged from January 9-31 in 2015.


At least 10 of the 16 teams will feature in the six pool games in Canberra to be held in a hectic 11-day block from January 10-20.


There will also be a quarter-final on January 23.


The Socceroos qualifying games will played in Melbourne on January 9, 2015; Sydney on January 13, 2015; and Brisbane on January 17, 2015.


Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid said the tournament would provide Canberra with unprecedented coverage into Asia.


''It's huge, this is the largest sporting event in Asia and it puts Canberra in front of a large audience,'' Reid said.


''We always knew it would be unlikely we would get the Socceroos given they were likely to play in stadiums capable of maximising economic returns.


''The challenge for us will be to get bums on seats in the holiday period.''


Australia, Japan, North Korea and South Korea have qualified for the 2015 Asian Cup, with qualifying for the remaining spots still to be confirmed. ACT Minister for Sport Andrew Barr said the ACT Government was proud to be working with Victoria, Queensland, NSW, the Federal Government and the AFC Asian Cup 2015 Local Organising Committee to showcase Australia to Asia and the world.


"I'm delighted that football fans in Canberra and the capital region will have the chance to see some of the world's best players and international teams in action,'' Barr said.


"Canberra Stadium has a proven track record of hosting high-quality fixtures, including Olympic football, Rugby World Cup and Rugby League World Cup matches.


''Likewise Canberra will be a great venue for travelling fans, who will have the chance to see the unique attractions of the nation's capital."


Newcastle Stadium is the other venue and will host a semi-final and third and fourth play-off, along with pool games.



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