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Home News National and International News Culina Socceroo Skipper

Culina Socceroo Skipper

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Coach Pim Verbeek announced Gold Coast midfielder Jason Culina as Socceroo skipper for the first time in last nights Asian Cup qualifying 1-0 win over Indonesia at his pre-match press conference 

“It's a privilege to be captain,” said Culina.

“It's an important game. We need to get a result to get to the Asian Cup and I'm confident we'll do that.”

Capped 44 times for his country, 29-year-old Culina was considered the leading candidate for the job, with Luke Wilkshire the other main contender in a predominantly A-League based squad.

Australia are likely to need at least a draw from their final qualifying match to guarantee a spot at the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar.

"It's a very important game there's no doubt about that,'' said Verbeek.

Verbeek has kept his starting 11 close to his chest, informing the players but unwilling to make the team public until match day.

While the out-of-contention Indonesians have nothing to play for in terms of qualifying, star striker Bambang Pamungkas insisted they were desperate to produce a stirring performance for their loyal fans.

“We'll make sure this isn't easy for Australia,” he promised.

“The result is not important to our team, but the game is very important for us.

“This is the first time since 1996 that we haven't (qualified) in the Asian Cup.”

“We should have won the last game against Australia (0-0 in Jakarta). We had many chances and should have taken them.”

While they have not won, the Indonesians have conceded only five goals in their five games to date.

“Actually we have been doing great but we have had three draws and two losses,'' said Pamungkas.

AAP

Last Updated on Thursday, 04 March 2010 17:32  

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