Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones has left the Australian World Cup squad to be with his family after it was revealed that his four year-old son is seriously ill. Jones was expected to be understudy to Mark Shwarzer and it is unknown whether he will return to the tournament although coach Vim Verbeek said that he did not expect him to return.

Adelaide United keeper Eugene Galekovic was originally omitted from the 23-man squad but has stayed on and will likely replace Jones should the FFA’s request to FIFA for special dispensation be granted.

 

The sad news has galvanised the squad according to captain Lucas Neill. He said that they would give their best against Group D favourites Germany and dedicate their performance to Jones. The minds of the players were clearly elsewhere during the 3-1 defeat by the United States.

The Germans themselves have identified Tim Cahill as the main threat with Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker indicating that he will be tightly marked. “We will try and nip his attacks in the bud, and even maybe double mark him” said the 6ft 6 giant, “He is still dangerous and can create chances in front of goal, so it will be hard to contain him”.