Brad Jones from Australia chooses family over World Cup
Australia Socceroos reserve goalkeeper Brad Jones was forced to skip the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was granted permission to leave the camp because of serious family illness.
Jones, who is the Middlesbrough goalkeeper, left South Africa few days before their match clash against Germany after he was informed that his four-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia.
The Australian Football Federation (FFA) confirmed that Jones has returned to Perth, Australia, to be his wife and his ailing son. It is still uncertain whether he can still return and play for the Socceroos. The FFA has also confirmed that they already have a possible replacement if ever their reserve goal keeper decide to focus his attention to his son.
"Socceroos goalkeeper Brad Jones has been granted leave from the 2010 FIFA World Cup camp after receiving news of a serious illness in his family," read the statement. "Jones left South Africa yesterday to be with his immediate family and it is unclear at this stage whether he will return and participate in the tournament,” Said in the statement released by the Australian Authorities.
"Football Federation Australia (FFA) has applied to FIFA for the ability to replace Jones in the Socceroos squad if necessary due to 'special circumstances' and is awaiting written approval. FFA requests that Jones' and his family's privacy are respected during this difficult time."
Australian Skipper Lucas Neill said that the news was very devastating but he hopes that the unfortunate turn of events will boost their morale and be more inspired to play better.
"It puts football as completely irrelevant, even a World Cup, for everybody. We consider ourselves a family, and the news we heard ... it was devastating. It hit all the boys for six. Unfortunately or fortunately, we have something else we can focus on and that's what we're going to do now, and we will use his situation as inspiration now to keep us going and to give us that extra ten percent that we may have needed." Neill said.
"It's not been the easiest time," said Mark Schwarzer, who is the primary goalkeeper of Australia.
"Everyone understands it's a bit of a shock, but we pull together and, even though Brad's not with us at the moment, he's in our thoughts." He added.
Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic will most likely be tapped to replace Brad Jones in the Australian Squad if ever Jones will not be able to return in time for their first match of the World Cup. Galekovic has stayed with Socceroos camp even if he wasn’t included in the 23-man final roster of Australia.
The departure of Jones will not alter the game plan Australia Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek as they prepare for their first match on June 13, against Germany. Mark Schwarzer will also give them a lift after fully recovering from his thumb injury. The main goalkeeper has already participated in contact practices and played in their friendly against Denmark and United States.
Verbeek said that he will map a game plan which doesn’t include Jones.
"We expect him not to come back - that says enough about the seriousness of the matter. We have decided he needs to be with his family, as long as he needs to be there.It is a very serious matter and we’re wishing him strength and luck and everything that is necessary for him to be with his family and support his family." Verbeek said.
Brad Jones has always been the reliever for Mark Schwarzer is slowly stepping up his game and he is expected to replace Schwarzer as the primary goal keeper once he decides to call it quits.
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