Australia gripped by World Cup euphoria
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-06-23 08:53 A mixture of euphoric relief
and sheer disbelief hung over Australian streets on Friday as people came to
terms with their team reaching the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time.
Australia fans
celebrate after the Group F World Cup 2006 soccer match between Croatia
and Australia in Stuttgart June 22,
2006.[Reuters] |
Several thousand set their alarms early, or merely extended their night of
drinking, to gather in Melbourne's Federation Square and watch their side claim
the draw they needed against Croatia in a match starting at 0500 local time in
Germany.
The timing of the game in Stuttgart prompted a surreal mix on Melbourne's
early rush-hour streets.
Sober-suited commuters stood beside giddy late-night drinkers draped in the
country's green and gold colours to unite in a nation more accustomed to success
with an oval ball.
Against authorities' wishes, flares were let off with each of Australia's two
goals and the inevitable "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!" filled the
morning air
As Australia hung on in the dying minutes after Harry Kewell's late goal
brought the scores to 2-2, the tension was palpable and the final whistle
brought an ecstatic response.
"We knew we could do it, we're going all the way now," said Andrea Thornhill,
16, two small Australia flags painted on each side of her face.
|
