Socceroos straight to training paddock in bid to combat altitude

From correspondents in Johannesburg, South Africa
May 27, 2010

Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer have completed the Socceroos' first training session in South Africa and are on target for the team's 2010 FIFA World Cup opener against Germany.
The duo joined the rest of the 28-man squad in a light session at their northern Johannesburg base just 12 hours after becoming the first team to land in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Captain Lucas Neill said the session went well and he stressed the importance of getting familiar quickly with playing at altitude.

"We did not even see a ball come out but everyone did really well and it's great to have a fully fit team participating in training and working towards the tournament,'' he said.

"They worked us pretty hard today but that's because we have to get used to this altitude. You notice the breathing straight away because we are at 1700 metres so it will take some adjusting.''

Neill acknowledged they had plenty of work to do, but was positive his team will be in good shape.

"It's hard to put an exact percentage on how ready we are but we definitely know we have got a lot to improve on,'' he said.

"You can see people are starting to come back into the squad and clear the rust as it were - a lot of us had a break of one or two weeks before we all met up, but the touch is coming back. There is a general hunger among the squad.''

Australia are using purpose-built facilities at St Stithians College which overlooks the upmarket Sandton business district with Johannesburg city centre visible in the distance.

Goalkeeper Adam Federici knows he is likely to be a reserve behind the experienced Schwarzer, but believes he has a role to play.

"Mark's thumb injury is much better now and obviously he is No.1 so I'm here in a supportive role, but if I'm needed to play I'll be ready," he said.

"We've got a very tough group and it's going to be difficult for us to get through but we are confident we can make it."

"Now we have to try and get over the jetlag, but I'm sure that won't take too long.''

Agence France-Presse
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27188646-5014539,00.html