Socceroos accusedof spying by Honduras
THE World Cup clash between former Celtic team-mates Tom Rogic and Emilio Izaguirre has been overshadowed by a spying scandal.
Honduras boss Jorge Luis Pinto has alleged Australia used a drone to oversee their training session at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium on Monday, describing it as an act of “espionage”.
The nations clash at the venue today with the play-off balanced after a goalless first leg.
The Australian FA denied the accusation but Pinto went on the offensive, and said: “It is embarrassing for such an advanced country. Let’s not be innocent, it’s espionage in football.
“It just takes some of the merit away from the fair play and the sporting event.”
Pinto is set to field Izaguirre, now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Fayha, against the Aussies and the former Celtic stopper is determined to get over the line following a frustrating encounter in San Pedro Sula.
“We tried everything to make our home advantage in the first leg count and it was frustrating that we did not take our chances,” said the 31-year-old.
“But we now have a one-off match, with the World Cup in sight, and we believe we will come back with the victory.”
Izaguirre is likely to go head-to-head with mercurial playmaker Rogic.
The 24-year-old was limited to a 15-minute cameo as a late substitute in Honduras.
Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou said: “We’ll make a few changes. There will be an adjustment to put out a team I think can win us the game from the start.”