Goalkeeper Jones leaves to take care of sick son

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill says Australia will draw inspiration from Brad Jones's son's battle with leukaemia when they take on Germany in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jun 2010, 10:57 BST
Updated 9th Jun 2010, 10:57 BST

Just hours before the Socceroos lost 3-1 to the USA on Saturday, the team was rocked by the news that Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jones would be forced to leave the squad after his four-year-old son Luca was diagnosed with the illness the previous day.

The news obviously had an impact on the squad as the Socceroos let in three goals, the most they have conceded in a match since coach Pim Verbeek took over in February 2008.

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But the players are already looking to support 28-year-old stopper Jones, who also had a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, with Tim Cahill celebrating his goal for Australia with a babe-in-arms gesture.

And Neill said the sad news would only give the Australians more incentive when they take on Germany in Group D.

"That's actually galvanised the team again," Neill said as the team arrived in camp in Muldersdrift just outside of Johannesburg.

"(It) gives us just that extra inspiration we needed to want to be successful.

"Germany are a superior team to Australia and clearly they're favourites," Neill said.

"Their record in World Cups suggest they are the most consistent team in world football."

Related topics:SocceroosAustraliaGermanyUSAMiddlesbrough