Vidmar out of world cup squad

[marinermick]

*** Note: Tony Vidmar will not be available for interviews until he returns to Australia. ***

*** Media Opportunity - FFA Head of High Performance John Boultbee will be available to comment on the below at a doorstop interview in Hyde Park near the stairs opposite the FFA Offices at 26 College Sydney today at 2.30pm ***

FFA Media Release
Tuesday 9 May 2006

TONY VIDMAR WITHDRAWS FROM WORLD CUP CONTENTION

Australian footballer Tony Vidmar has withdrawn himself from being considered for the Qantas Socceroos squad for the FIFA World Cup due to medical reasons.

Currently part of Dutch side NAC Breda, Vidmar broke his ribs during a match earlier this season and has been sidelined since. After returning to training from the injury, Vidmar underwent an Electrocardiogram (ECG) where he experienced some shortness of breath. Further tests have revealed an irregular heart rhythm.

Vidmar will return to Australia at the end of the week for further examinations before deciding whether he will continue his playing career.

"It's something that has come as a real shock but due to the seriousness of the situation I had no other choice in the interests of my own health and the team that I withdraw from being considered for the World Cup squad," said Vidmar.

"When I return to Australia I'll have some further examinations and once I have that information I'll decide if I will play on but in the short term it would be too much of a risk."

"Of course I would love to play in the World Cup, it's been a dream of mine and I have been in four campaigns but until I am fully aware of my health situation I can't risk playing."

"Though I won't be on the field with my team mates I'll be joining the rest of Australia in giving them my full support."

Vidmar's national team debut came against Czechoslovakia in 1991 when he was playing with Adelaide City, with his most recent appearance coming on that famous night on 16 November 2005.

He has made 90 appearances (75 full A-internationals, 15 non-A matches) for the Qantas Socceroos over a 15-year international career and scored a vital goal during the penalty shoot out against Uruguay which put Australia into the World Cup.

A versatile defender who can play anywhere in the defensive line, Vidmar has been part of four World Cup qualifying campaigns and is the third most capped Australian player of all time behind Alex Tobin (87 caps) and Paul Wade (84).

Football Federation Australia has taken an active involvement in assisting Vidmar with his medical examinations.

"Since Tony told us of his condition our medical staff have been fully involved in his examinations and evaluating the results," said FFA Head of High Performance John Boultbee.

"We will continue to be involved when Tony returns to Australia and will assist him with whatever direction his future takes."

"It is disappointing that Tony will not be in the World Cup squad, especially considering he has been part of four campaigns."

"The coaching staff have been aware of Tony's condition and have given him the appropriate amount of time to make an informed decision. While they are all disappointed for Tony they respect and support his decision."

Qantas Socceroos captain on seven occasions, Vidmar started his career at Adelaide City in the National Soccer League in 1989. After three seasons including a League Championship in the 1991/92 season he was lured to Europe where he spent the 1992-93 season with Ekeren in Belgium.

Vidmar returned home to Adelaide City for the next two seasons, picking up a League Championship in 1993/94, before current national team assistant coach Graham Arnold convinced him to return to Europe and join him at NAC Breda in Holland.

After two seasons in the Netherlands he moved to Glasgow Rangers where he enjoyed football against some of Europe's best clubs. Over a five season spell at Rangers he collected two League Championships, three Scottish FA Cup medals (including a goal in the 2000 final) and two Scottish League Cup final wins. He also played in European Cup matches and UEFA Cup ties.

The English Premier League beckoned for Vidmar and he spent a season with Middlesbrough before heading to Wales to play for Cardiff City in the English Championship. A superb 2003/04 season saw Vidmar named the Cardiff City Player of the Year as voted by the players and the supporters.

Vidmar returned to Holland last year and linked up with his former club NAC Breda.

He represented is country at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and played in three Confederations Cup competitions.

Tony VIDMAR
Born: 4.7.70, Adelaide

Position: Defender

Qantas Socceroo honours: 90 appearances (3 goals) [1991–2005]

75 A internationals (3 goals) / 15 non–A internationals

Other Australian representative honours:

U-23 – 1992 Olympic Games (Barcelona) campaign

Club career:

1989–1992 Adelaide City (Australia)

1992–1993 Ekeren (Belgium)

1993–1995 Adelaide City (Australia)

1995–1997 NAC Breda (Holland)

1997–2002 Rangers (Scotland)

2002–2003 Middlesbrough (England)

2003–2005 Cardiff City (England)

2005– NAC Breda (Holland)

[marinermick]

My heart really goes out to him.

He, more than anyone, has felt the pain of missing out in the last three campaigns, and now he cannot go when finally qualifying.

Could this mean Heff an outside smokey for the World Cup?

[kevrenor]

marinermick said:

TONY VIDMAR WITHDRAWS FROM WORLD CUP CONTENTION

Australian footballer Tony Vidmar has withdrawn himself from being considered for the Qantas Socceroos squad for the FIFA World Cup due to medical reasons.

That is quite a shame really!

He has been a great servant of the game, and an excellent Socceroo! In his young days he was a fleet footed wing back and I remember well his game against England at the SFS (1990? - just can't recall the year! lol)

His tears in Uruguay in 2001 showed how much he cared. I thought he was down and out early last year but his two performances against Uruguay were superb for a guy of his age!

Well done Tony!

[brett]

I agree with you guys, my first thoughts were to Tony personally and to the Socceroos hopes second.

The poor bloke, he represented from a playing perspective what a lot of the fans felt with the close misses in the last four campaigns, and then finally getting there.

He was absolutely heroic against Uruguay and it would have been ideal to retain the same players that were 100% familiar with Guus and his systems. Hopefully Craig Moore can come straight in now and do the same job.

I dont know whether this helps the Heffs chances MM but it certainly firms Meggsi into a more likely candidate for back up centre half behind moore, neill and popovic.

[marinermick]

the sydney forum are speculating that milligan is also a smokey

[kevrenor]

marinermick said:

the sydney forum are speculating that milligan is also a smokey

Better option than Jade North, but Arnie please note that Meggsi also played on the right for Power and Marconi!

[dibo (pron. "DIB-OH")]

i was elated when he scored his penalty, simply because it must have meant so much to him - carthartic, poignant and deserved. works hard, has been loyal to the cause for his whole career and we all cried those tears with him in 2001. what a shame...

[Rubbernose]

That is just harsh, I really feel for the guy.

[Jesus]

Tony has been a great player foir the national team. We will miss him in germany. He was always the heart of the team for me. Wish him all the best

Hopefully this will give either heff or meggsi a run in the squad.

Best wishes for Tony's recovery though.

[Rubbernose]

marinermick said:

the sydney forum are speculating that milligan is also a smokey

www.smh.com.au/news/world-cup-2006/milligan--in-with-a-good-shot-at-becoming-a-socceroo/2006/05/08/1146940475571.html

I reckon Heff's a chance, fo sure.

[DJ]

Good news for our boys for sure - but it's a shame it came at Vidmars expence, he's given the socceroos his all over the years!

[blackadder]

You can't help but feel for Vidmar, after all he has been through and then finally sealing a place in the World Cup.
Heartbreaking stuff, hope all is well with Tony Vidmar and he can continue his career

[forzamariners]

Tony Vidmar, AUSTRALIA WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!

[Farthing]

That is a real shame that he isnt playing in the World Cup, we all know how much this ment for him and i cant imagine how hard it was for him to pull out of the squad.

But i think this will give heff a good chance to get into the squad. I think they name the squad tomorrow as well

[omni]

It's a big shame for a guy who's been involved in so many campaigns to miss out.

[greenpoleffc]

Craig Moore to fill in??? Not serious surely?? The guy is washed up,slow and totally past it.

A donkeys donkey who would have looked old and slow in scumcastles back 4!!

Meggsi can:-

a) Run
b) Kick a ball pretty much where he wants it to go
c) Not lumber after opposing strikers as they turn him with ease and run towards the goal.

If he gets picked, I reckon CCM should tell Ze Chermans to nick off and wait for a bigger offer after the WC

Craig Moore - pah!

[gialloblu]

Shame for Vidmar. Like everyone's been saying its obviously meant a lot to him for a long time.

If he was fit, I don't think he should have been in the starting team, but his experience would have helped younger guys in the squad. He would have been handy in tight situations (1-0 up against Croatia in the last group game anyone?) where you want a bit of experience

It should give Meggsi's chances a boost, and he won't let anyone down

[Pete]

Gee Tony Vidmar can't take a trick can he? Has shite luck with campaigns for the WC, missing out, then when they do qualify he's medically unfit!
Seriously tho, I hope his condition isn't too detrimental to his well being post Football. Hopefully he'll settle down in front of the TV and watch those games with some good friends - he should be proud that he was very much a senior member of the squad that got them there.
On the speculation of who is to replace him. I thought Moore would have already been on the inside running for a spot, so I think Meggsi (particularly after all the glowing reports from the Bahrain game) might be a chance to take Vidmar's spot in the squad.

[Bearinator]

At least the guy went out on a high. Its good that his last days with the socceroos were his best. Has he played a better game for the green and gold than that cold night in Sydney in November 2005? I think not.

Tony Vidmar 1991-2005
May his international career rest in peace.

[marinermick]

greenpoleffc said:

Craig Moore to fill in??? Not serious surely?? The guy is washed up,slow and totally past it.

A donkeys donkey who would have looked old and slow in scumcastles back 4!!

Meggsi can:-

a) Run
b) Kick a ball pretty much where he wants it to go
c) Not lumber after opposing strikers as they turn him with ease and run towards the goal.

If he gets picked, I reckon CCM should tell Ze Chermans to nick off and wait for a bigger offer after the WC

Craig Moore - pah!

are you serious?

craig moore has been one of the best EPL defenders in the last month, constantly being picked in the EPL team of the week and getting man-of-the-match awards

as much as i love megssy and think he will be better than moore in a few years time there is a massive difference in quality

moore's leadership will be very valuable at the back for australia in this world cup campaign