Villarreal CF defender Antonio Rukavina hopes for a high-scoring game when the Spaniards play Brisbane Roar in a LFP World Challenge game at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday (7pm kick off).
The Serbian international said the Spanish La Liga side was surprised by Adelaide United in the opening game of their Australian tour on Friday and expect a similar strong challenge from the Roar.
“We played against Adelaide and it was a tough match. We were losing 2-0 but won 3-2. We expect another close game against Brisbane,” Rukavina said on the Gold Coast today where Villarreal are staying before heading to Brisbane on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old, who has played 28 times for his country, said Villarreal will go into the friendly match with the clear intention to entertain.
“There are no points on this game and I hope the people in the stadium will enjoy the football,” Rukavina said.
“We want to give so many goals, so many opportunities, nice action . . . everything the people in the stadium want to see.”
Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral said his squad, which contains five internationals including Mexican brothers Giovani and Jonathan Dos Santos, had no injuries from the Adelaide United match.
“We are happy to be in Queensland and are looking forward to a tough match from the team that were national champions last year,” Marcelino said through an interpreter.
Tickets to the match, which is not televised in Australia, start from just $16 for children and $28 for adults (plus credit card and transaction fees). For more information or to book your seats click here.
The Mayor praised Brisbane Roar for once again involving the Gold Coast in top-level football after the club played three AFC Champions League games at Robina earlier this year.
“The Gold Coast sees the Roar very much as our team too,” the Mayor said.
“Villarreal may be playing 90 minutes up the road on Wednesday night but we are very happy to be hosting them on the Gold Coast until then.”
