Sydney fans skip work and school to cheer on national team in World Cup draw
The students learned a lesson in patience as they watched the Socceroos draw nil with Paraguay in the World Cup; Meanwhile the great Aussie sick spirit was in full force in Sydney’s bars and live sites.
At Rozelle Public School, students packed into the halls or gathered in classrooms to watch the game, which started at noon on Friday.
Principal Andrew Braiding said it was valuable to skip class for students to experience this.
“These are core memories,” he said. “The stars have aligned this year, we can’t have too many international tournaments with our national team at 12 o’clock on a Friday afternoon.”
Deafening chants of “oi, oi, oi” filled the hall as students watched the game, out of uniform and in an eclectic mix of green and gold.
The girls wore Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler Matildas jerseys. The men came in a variety of kits from the Australian national teams, including cricket, rugby and yes, even the odd Socceroos jersey.
“Everyone wears green and gold in football,” said 11-year-old Zephyr Samson.
“I’m glad we were able to get out of class and watch the game.”
Madison Plumbe, 12, supported the decision to swap schoolwork for football.
“It means people can come together, share their passions, and cheer on the team together… It’s a really fun time on Friday.”
Elsewhere on Friday, fans flocked to pubs (many skipping work) and the Socceroos live site at Tumbalong Park.
The Sackville Hotel in Rozelle, provisionally renamed Sacky-roos, was booked within a few hours earlier in the week.
More than 1,000 beers flowed from the taps by 3 p.m.
The two men, who left work to watch the match on condition of anonymity, told their bosses they were busy elsewhere.
“I can’t say any more. I just love Australia,” one of them said to justify his decision.
“You should do this for your nation,” his friend said.
Those attending Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbor came prepared for the weather, carrying umbrellas and ponchos as heavy rain continued throughout the game.
Others took shelter under the awning of the nearby International Convention Center.
Roop Sandhu, 19, and Samreen Randhawa, 21, said they had seen footage of live Socceroos fans during previous matches.
“We are both big fans, so we wanted to come and check it out for ourselves,” Sandhu said.
“Everyone is making a lot of noise and everyone is coming together, and we wanted to be a part of it,” Randhawa said.
The two agreed it was worth stopping in the rain.
“Even if there is no goal, just supporting our country is worth it,” Sandhu said.
He told his boss he “couldn’t work.”
“I think they probably knew,” he said.
One man, who did not want his name published, said he could not take leave that day and that was why he resigned.
A tense final few minutes brought relief as Paraguay conceded Patrick Beach’s shot, followed by excitement as the Socceroos attacked. When Tete Yengi’s shot fell into the hands of the Paraguayan goalkeeper, the crowd in the stands lost their mood.
When the final whistle blew, the fans were enthusiastic and the celebrations began before a single goal was scored.
The National Anthem was sung. The drizzle continued as the crowd walked out. Some may even have returned to work.
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Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
