Melbourne Victory striker Nathan Elasi has been selected to represent the Qantas Young Socceroos in the Copa Ciudad de Rosario in Argentina as part of Australia’s preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009.
Melbourne Victory striker Nathan Elasi has been selected to represent the Qantas Young Socceroos in the Copa Ciudad de Rosario in Argentina as part of Australia’s preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009.
Qantas Young Socceroos Head Coach Jan Versleijen has picked 20 players for the tournament, which will pit Australia against fellow FIFA U-20 World Cup finalists Uruguay and the USA, as well as Argentinean youth team Tiro Federal.
“This South American tour is extremely important for us as we have drawn Brazil and Costa Rica at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt,” Versleijen said.
“This will be our last major training camp before the tournament itself and also the last opportunity for the players to push for selection at the World Cup.
“Playing in South America will help us learn much about the style of the opponents we will face in Egypt.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Hyundai A-League clubs for their cooperation and support for this important tour.
“It is in our collective interest that the players are playing at the highest levels in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup and we will do everything that we can to ensure that is the case,” concluded Versleijen.
Australia will face Brazil, Costa Rica and the Czech Republic at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which takes place from September 24 to October 16.
Elasi will join his Qantas Young Socceroos teammates in Sydney on Monday for a two-day camp before departing for the tournament in Argentina, which runs from July 25 to July 29.
