Socceroos fundraise for flood victims

Australian football star Tim Cahill and his Socceroo teammates have led the domestic sports community in fundraising for victims of the Queensland floods.

Nine people have died and 66 were missing after flash floods swept through parts of Australia's eastern state on Monday.

Everton midfielder Cahill dedicated his two-goal performance in Australia's 4-0 Asian Cup win over India in Doha on Monday to families affected by the floods.

Cahill used his goal celebrations to mime a phone call and said it was to show his compassion and to encourage donations to those hard hit by the deluge.

Cahill has helped set up an online auction on eBay to raise money for the cause, offering a "Tim Cahill experience" to the winning bidder.

"I've donated a prize where two people get to bid for a chance to sit in my box personally from anywhere in the world and watch an Everton game, have some dinner, watch a training session, have a signed pair of boots and a jersey," Cahill said.

Socceroo players have also put a signed jersey on eBay to raise money for the flood appeal.

Leading Australian tennis player Samantha Stosur pledged Ausê100 dollars (ê99) for each ace she serves during her Australian tournaments and American Andy Roddick did the same at the recent Brisbane International.

The Australian Rugby Union said it would donate 50,000 dollars to the flood relief appeal and was working on other measures that will further support the communities affected.
 

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