Source : ABC NEWS
Crowds across the nation adorned in green and gold have gathered in support of the Socceroos for their third match in the World Cup.
After their loss to the US last weekend, the team faced off against Paraguay on Friday in California’s Santa Clara, which ended in a draw.
The Aussies needed a win or a draw for a guaranteed progression to the knockout stage.
Fans at several live sites across the country had one goal; Find a good spot to celebrate — or commiserate — in company.
Victoria
Fans of the Socceroos were turned away from Melbourne’s Federation Square after it reached capacity. (Getty Images)
At Melbourne’s Federation Square, crowds began to swell more than two hours before the scheduled game start time.
The location had a limited capacity of about 7,000 spots, and that was reached before the game began, with fans told to head to Melbourne Rectangular Stadium instead.
Schools across the country also held screenings, with kids pouncing on the opportunity to be out of the classroom on their Friday afternoon.
Some students made their own flags and signs. (ABC News: Darryl Torpy)
These two students wore wigs and waved the Australian flag to show support. (ABC News: Darryl Torpy)
There was plenty of excitement at Laurimar Primary School in Melbourne’s outer-north suburb of Doreen, where about 1,000 students watched.
The mood was high, not just because it was the last day before school holidays, but also because of a big screen and food trucks.
Quinn dressed up as a soccer ball to watch the match. (ABC NewS: Darryl Torpy)
Six-year-old Quinn took a more creative approach to her outfit, dressing up as a soccer ball.
Meanwhile, there was no shortage of teenagers getting into the spirit.
One Socceroos supporter told the ABC he was conveniently unable to attend school on Friday because of a “headache”.
A flare was lit in Federation Square. (ABC News: Alexia Pesce)
Victoria Police said it was well-prepared for the game and encouraged everyone to enjoy themselves while looking out for each other.
At about 10am, three flares were ignited at Federation Square, but there were no reports of injuries.
A group of male teens were also seen fighting at the site around the same time, with police separating the group.
Police are investigating both incidents.
Queensland
Hundreds of people turned up to Brisbane’s live site at South Bank. (ABC News: Liz Gwynn)
Hundreds of people came together at Brisbane’s live site at South Bank to secure the best vantage point.
They tried to shield themselves from the rain, which came down pretty hard at one point.
There were some very dedicated fans in attendance, including Douglas Jones. (ABC News: Liz Gwynn)
Some colourful personalities dotted the grounds, including Douglas Jones, a self-professed “super fan” dressed as a kangaroo.
The crowd at the Brisbane live site at South Bank braved the weather. (ABC News: Liz Gwynn)
At St Vincent’s Primary School on the Gold Coast, about 100 children joined in to cheer on the Aussie side.
These lucky kids got to watch the match during school hours. (ABC News: Heloise Vyas)
Seven-year-old Indigo was most excited to see right-back Jason Geria in action — but not for his ace defending skills.
“[He’s my favourite] because he is a kind and compassionate player,” she said of Geria.
Primary school student Indigo dressed up with ribbons in her hair to support the Socceroos. (ABC News: Heloise Vyas)
South Australia
To cheer on their favourite team, Henry and Eddie Drever said they promised house chores in exchange for a day off school.
“Because I’ve got no assignments I had to write a persuasive [argument] to my mum that I should stay at home and come to watch the Socceroos and she said yes, so I got to skip school,”
Henry said.
Their grandmother Carol Scholz is a fan of Nestory Irankunda, the Tanzanian-born star who hails from Adelaide.
“We’ve seen him doing his backflips so we’re very invested in him and we want him to score,” Ms Scholz said.
Carol Scholz (left) watches the match with grandkids Henry (right) and Eddie (back) and their mum Anthea Drever.
(ABC News: Madina Jaffari)
Irankunda also won the hearts of 11-year-old Archie who dreams of one day playing for the national team.
“Hopefully we get the win, nervous and excited,” Archie said.
Jonathan Kaitatzis, owner venue space Plant 4 Bowden, said his venue reached maximum capacity when the Socceroos faced off the US in the wee hours of the morning last week.
“The last game exceeded all expectations getting about 400-plus bookings at 4am,”
he said.
He said he expected the same turnout on Friday, hoping for a “lot of Socceroos and the Paraguay supporters” to come together in celebration.
Owner Jonathan Kaitatzis once again opened a market for a Socceroos watch party. (ABC News: Madina Jaffari)
New South Wales
A few hundred people also packed out Parramatta Square in Western Sydney to watch the crucial match.
While many wandered down from nearby office blocks for an extended lunch break, there were plenty who came especially for the game.
Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the steps of the amphitheatre, the mood was jubilant with chanting.
Meanwhile, dozens of students at Matraville Sports High School in the Sydney suburb of Chifley also tuned in as part of their school curriculum.
Aspiring Socceroos and Matildas players also watched the game with nervous excitement in Chifley. (ABC News: Arianna Levy)
The school operates the official Sydney FC School Academy, which is a development pathway for aspiring future Socceroos and Matildas players.
Several students have told the ABC that being able to watch the national team play gave them hope for their future careers.
Ante Juric, a former Socceroos and Matilda’s assistant coach who heads the school’s football program, said airing the match during school hours was important.
“You see all your heroes on the screen, you want to be them, you want to play like them,”
he said.
“So, this just gives them that little glint in their eyes and the ability to see what their future could,” Mr Juric said.
