Moore returns to World Cup after cancer

Jun 12, 2010 - 5:02 PM By TONY HARPER Associated Press Writer

DURBAN, South Africa(AP) -- A year and a half ago, Craig Moore couldn't envision playing in another World Cup.

The veteran defender from Australia underwent surgery for testicular cancer 19 months ago.

Yet Moore, who retired in 2006 before returning to the pitch, is set to make his 51st international appearance in a Group D match against Germany on Sunday.

"Cancer is not something you put to the back of your mind," Moore said. "I realize that I have ongoing procedures, tests every three or four months, and I realize that there's a big chance in the first two years of it coming back."

Moore played more than 100 times for Glasgow Rangers, winning five Scottish league championships and a domestic triple in 2003. He moved to Borussia Moenchengladbach in Germany, then to the English Premier League with Newcastle United before being released in 2007.

In November 2008, Moore was back playing in Australia's national league for Brisbane Roar when he found a lump. Coach Frank Farina ordered him to see a doctor.

"The doctor told him he needed surgery straight away," Moore's spokesman Ian Hanson said. "He said, 'You could either have it on Friday or Tuesday.' The first thing Craig said was, 'Can I have it on Tuesday so I can play Saturday night,' which is just extraordinary."

Moore will line up alongside Australian captain Lucas Neill in the heart of Australia's defense Sunday. Their partnership is under intense scrutiny after a poor performance in a 2-1 loss against United States in a friendly last week. U.S. forward Edson Buddle caught them out of position several times and scored twice.

While Moore's speed is on the wane, his intensity has never wavered. He went eye to eye with U.S. star Clint Dempsey after fouling the American.

Neill praised Moore's fighting spirit Saturday.

"Craig's a very tough competitor. He's proven that both on the pitch and off it," Neill said. "He is one with great experience, good leadership qualities, and he's been a very good servant to our country. And if this is to be his last time playing for Australia, then we wish him well.

"But, like him, we will want to go out on a high and make this the very best tournament we can for both him and Australia."

Moore scored the first goal in Australia's 2-2 draw with Croatia in 2006, helping the Socceroos advance to a second-round match against Italy. Then, he shared the experience of being on Australia's first team at a World Cup since 1974 with former junior teammates John Aloisi, Josip Skoko and Mark Viduka. He is the only remaining member of that quartet, and will retire for a second and final time after this tournament.

"I know it will be my last time and I am really appreciating what it means to be in the national team and on the world stage," Moore said. "Last time it really was a trip into the unknown, but knowing this will be the last time for me is different."