Stand up for the Socceroos

Update - July 03, 2006
Its match day, Australia vs Italy and we were off to Kaiserslautern to watch the game. After a nightmare over crowded, hot and sweaty train ride, that took about 3.5 hours we made it to Kaiserslautern, or K-town as its more affectionately known. We actually came out here the day before to collect our match tickets so were pretty familiar with the journey, but it was still terrible.

Collecting our tickets the day before in Gelsenkirchen. We had the chance to check out the small Gelsenkirchen fan fest and had pics with some statues.

Once we arrived, we had to make our way through the throng of fellow Aussie and Italian supporters. It seemed like every man and his dog was out this day.

Perched high atop overlooking K-town was Fritz-Walter stadium. So once we passed the security checkpoints was had to make a 10 minute climb upto the stadium.

We finally made it to the top and as the stadium beckoned, we paused to reflect on where we were and that the Socceroo's were actually playing for a spot in the quarter-finals at the World Cup.

Having gotten our tickets through the FFA, we were right in the middle of the Aussie supporters. There was an awesome atmosphere and everyone was up for the game.


The game started and although the Italians had some early chances, we survived and soon settled down. We looked pretty comfortable on the ball and the defence grew more confident and solid as the match wore on. At half time we went in even and spirits were high, full of song and voice we cheered on through the second half, when Materazzi was sent off (harshly so) we started to press and pretty much took control. As the end of 90 minutes drew near, we started to anticipate getting the final goal in extra time that would send us through. Then the unthinkable, I don't know what Bresciano was doing when he let the ball bounce and then didn't stop the man (professional foul or not he should have). Grosso cut inside, moved into the box, Neil slid in and down he went. It happened at the other end of the pitch so we didn't get a good view, but we just knew it was dodgy, of course we didn't get to see a replay in the stadium so we weren't 100% sure how it happened. When the penalty went in, I slumped back into my seat and felt ill.
I was moved when the team came and acknowledged the aussie supporters. Even in defeat we were winners.

After such a sad and draining experience we almost decided not to head out the next day to see Brazil.

Laid up in Bed

Well I've been laid up in bed for the past few days. I was pretty sorry I couldn't make it with the fellas to Stuttgart for the Australia vs Croatia match, but I had a feeling that we'd qualify and that I should stay home and rest up for the next match instead.

I was horrified to discover that 5 minutes before the game was due to kick off, the televised free to air match was going to be Brazil vs Japan. Oh no, now i felt really crap.

Just as Paul sms'ed me to let me know that they were watching the game at Fanfest and could have done with my support since the croat's outnumbered the Aussies 4:1, we were a goal down. Why oh why wasn't this game of games on TV???

Having said that though the Brazil game was mildly entertaining and I had to satisfy myself with the soccernet gamecast live text commentary to keep upto date on the Aussie progress.

I got a call from the guys after the stuttgart match and to be honest I couldn't hear a thing they were saying, there was so much cheering in the background, gawd I wish I was there...

Here are some picks that the Mike and Paul took from Stuutgart.

Atleast being sick has given me is the opportunity to update my blog.
Now its time to deal to Italy.

Meh-Hi-Co Meh-Hi-Co Ra-Ra-Ra

Another match day, another long trip, this time to Gelsenkirchen. It was a top of the table clash between Portugal and Mexico. I have to give it to the Mexican fans, they sure know how to make alot of noise. I think they outnumbered the Portuguese supports 2:1, but they had the better chants and were way more colourful and entertaining.

OK so far, I've been very impressed with Germany, both Frankfurt and Leipzig were both modern and fun, so Gelsenkirchen had alot to live up to. I have to say that I felt let down by this host city. The place was a bit of a dive and unlike the other cities, though there are plenty of churches and the locals were friendly enough.

We got to Fanfest early to have a look around. They were still doing sound checks and getting ready for the main event when we arrived, so after beer and a quick look around we moved on to the main stadium.

The home ground of Shalke 04 is a pretty impressive stadium. It has all the mod-cons and the roof was closed for today's match. Now I was impressed with our seats for our France vs Korea match, but our seats weren't so great for this one, they had netting up behind the goal that did obstruct our view. Still we were front row and just near the corner flag so they weren't all bad.


The game was pretty open and exciting, real end to end stuff. I thought Mexico should've come away with atleast a point, but atleast they made it through to the second round as well. I was very disappointed when Scolari chose not to play 5 starters for this game, I felt cheated that I wasn't going to get to see Roanldo and Deco play even though I'd paid full price for my ticket. I was going to support Portugal before the match, but that snub changed my allegiances.

"Its time to make friends" (part 1)

Here's some "friends" we've met so far.

Dea-Han-Min-Guk

It was 6am, still bleary eyed, we set off for Leipzig to catch our group game between France and Korea Republic. After a 3.5 hour train ride we made it to Leipzig to wonderful old world architecture and great friendly people.


While in Leipzig, we had to check out the St Thomas Church, where Johann Sebastian Bach is laid to rest.
We managed to get through the throngs of people out in their teams colours and into Fanfest in time to catch the opening match of the day, Croatia vs Japan. This one ended goalless, but I was cheering for Japan.

Andy putting on his war paint.

After the Japan match we headed down to the stadium hoping that we would get to see the Australia Brazil match. Thankfully they showed it on the screens at the stadium.


Our seats were pretty sweet. Front row of the first tier almost on the half way line. We did have a camera man to our right, but being front row, he was out of the way.

We changed into the appropriate strip, and sat back to enjoy the France v Korea match, overall, it was a bit scrappy but France we're much the better team. After seeing Japan draw and Australia loose, all without scoring, I was itching to celebrate a goal. When it finally came I'd almost run out of energy to celebrate, but the red half of the crowd went ballistic, even the old Germans behind us (who were supporting Korea) were raucous.




You'd be forgiven for thinking Korea won given these street celebrations.