Post by paoktzi on Jan 27, 2011 9:04:58 GMT 10
The Marconi Stallions’ fans will have much to celebrate this week-end, with multiple milestones being achieved by the Socceroos at the 2011 Asian Cup Final.
Paramount on the list of celebratory milestones is our beloved Socceroos’ FIRST EVER Asian Cup Final appearance, reinforcing our standing in the Asian Football Confederation.
The significance of this achievement places Australia, in good stead and very worthy HOST NATION for the 2015 Asian Cup.
Facilities at Club Marconi are set to play a role in this great football tournament, (estimated to be viewed by audiences in the hundreds of millions throughout Asia and the world) as a possible training site for the 2015 Asian Cup.
Club Marconi is delighted that Australia is to host this football spectacle. “Football and economic benefits for Australia within Asia and possibly on a global scale, could be very significant”, stated Marconi Stallions’ Football Manager, Paul Saliba.
“Upon an invitation from the FFA, an agreement was been signed and ratified as part of the bid book for the use of our facilities. This will greatly depend on the logistical requirements and will be up to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Football Federation Australia (FFA) to decide, when planning commences” Saliba said.
The Marconi faithful will be cheering former Marconi Youth product and Socceroo custodian Mark Schwarzer, as he becomes the most capped Socceroo in history, surpassing Alex Tobin’s record of 87 caps, with his 88thappearance in the Green & Gold, in Sunday’s Asian Cup Final.
Schwarzer joined Marconi as a 14 year old and rose to prominence through the Youth League program. He made his NSL debut in 1990-91 and became the first choice keeper in 1991-92, while fellow Socceroos Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton were playing in Marconi’s Youth League in that year. He played 58 NSL games before his move to Dynamo Dressden in 1994.
Schwarzer’s exploits between the sticks are legendary, to say the least. He made his international debut for Australia against Canada in Edmonton in a 1994 World Cup qualifier, while playing for former NSL powerhouse, Marconi-Fairfield. He came on as a substitute for Milan Blagojevic (Marconi) after first-choice goalkeeper Robert Zabica (Adelaide City) was sent off 17 minutes into the match. In the return leg in Sydney, Schwarzer covered himself in glory, when he saved two penalties to send Australia to the final phase of qualifying against Argentina. Schwarzer did not play in these matches and Australia were defeated 2–1 on aggregate.
“It will be a great to host as many former Marconi players and former Socceroos, especially those that played along side Schwarzie and others that contributed to his football education, on the night at our Club. At 38, he shows no sign of slowing down”, Saliba stated.
As always, Club Marconi will proudly open its doors for football fans, to come along and cheer on the Socceroos to victory.
Club Marconi is known for the great atmosphere during football matches that are shown on their multiple large screens throughout the complex. Families are catered for in the family friendly areas.
The invitation is open to ALL football fans to converge at Club Marconi on Saturday night and stake their position to watch this historic match. Large crowds are expected to attend this ionic Club in Australian sporting landscape to celebrate Australia’s Asian Cup success.
www.therealgame.com.au/news/state-league/175/multiple-asian-cup-celebrations-at-club-marconi
