Mon 15th Jan 2007

QUEENSLAND Roar Coach Frank Farina has proclaimed this Saturday night’s showdown between traditional rivals Queensland Roar and Sydney FC as the biggest game of the Hyundai A-League season.

According to Farina, while state rivalry will pump further spectacle into the match, it will merely be the icing on the cake compared to what is potentially at stake when the two teams meet for the first time at Suncorp Stadium this season.

The previous meetings between the two clubs this season have both been at Aussie Stadium with the first encounter in round 7 ending in a 1-1 draw and Sydney prevailing 3-0 in the round 14 clash.

“There’s always been that rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales in every sporting code, but on top of that it’s just such a huge game for both clubs,” said Farina.

“Games don’t come bigger or better than this in terms of what’s at stake – people would be mad to miss it especially given the amount of football followers there are in Brisbane.

“I know that every player who pulls on that jersey will have pride in it – they’re playing for the team, themselves and the whole of Queensland. They all understand that responsibility and they all want to be successful; that hunger and passion is certainly there and it’s the key to teams doing well. We hope that it’s all going to happen on Saturday.

“The motivating factor for us as a team and as a club is that we have destiny in our own hands and we don’t have to rely on other results going our way. If we can deliver on a big night, we will be in the finals.”

With the pressure mounting in the lead up to the all-important clash and key players Matt McKay and Josh McCloughan out due to suspension, Farina said he believed his squad had the goods necessary to overcome such setbacks.

“They haven’t got a choice; it’s devastating for Matt and Josh but we certainly have the players to step in,” Farina said.

“The team has been travelling well but now it’s an opportunity for someone to come in and take their chance. Every club has their problems and Sydney also have suspension issues.

“The pressure is probably more so on us because we’re playing the Champions and in reality we don’t have the greatest home record. This game is an opportunity for us to set that right and begin what we should have had here from the start.”

Five other Queensland players will be teetering on a potential suspension for the finals if Roar qualify and they pick up a yellow card in Saturday night’s battle. Remo Buess, Spase Dilevski, Sasa Ognenovski, Andrew Packer and Stuart McLaren have all accumulated 3 yellow cards and a fourth will see them suspended for Roar’s next outing.

Queensland’s finals chances could be gifted if runaway leaders Melbourne Victory topple Newcastle Jets on Friday night. However, Farina remained adamant that irrespective of other results, his team would approach the game ready to win.

“We will work in the same manner leading up to the game irrespective of the result with Newcastle and Melbourne,” said Farina.

“You can’t rely on other teams to do you favours at this stage of the season – if we win, we go through no matter what and that’s all we’ll be gearing towards this week,” he added.

Ticket sales

Ticket sales for the clash have been brisk according to Queensland Roar Ticketing Manager Andrew Doak. With a crowd in excess of 25,000 expected, the message to supporters from Roar officials is to pre-purchase their tickets.

Doak said: “We are anticipating a large walk-up crowd and we don’t want anyone to miss the kick-off because they are outside the stadium trying to buy a ticket. We are urging everyone to pre-purchase to avoid disappointment or delays.”

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketek outlets, online at www.ticketek.com.au , or by phoning 132 849.