Australia played Egypt in a friendly just to prepare for the Asian Cup not to give a push for their World Cup bid chances, according to a top official. John Boultbee, FFA's head of international and corporate affairs, said that Egypt's rank and their style combined to offer Australia a worthy game. "It is more that we are playing a world No.11 side that plays in a Middle Eastern style and it is within a short trip from Europe on a midweek date," he said. "You would not go to East Asia on a midweek date; it is four hours for most of the players (to here) and even less for the guys from Turkey." Egyptian FA vice-chairman Hani Abou-Reida is a member of the FIFA executive committee that will vote to choose World Cup 2018 and 2022 hosts on December 2nd. Australia, who lost 3-0 to the African champions, are bidding for the latter.
