Anthony Dimitracopoulos, Cassandra Benavides, Nicky Ebejer and Melissa Benavides went to all three of the Socceroos’ group stage matches at the World Cup in Germany.Noble Park resident Melissa Benavides reflects on a surreal three weeks in Germany supporting the Socceroos on their World Cup campaign.
THE German media dubbed the Socceroos a surprise package after a 3-1 victory against Japan.
They were not alone. Other fans congratulated us on the fantastic win and wished us luck for future matches.
I remember a Brazilian fan hitting his soccer jersey and in his broken English saying “Ronaldinho! Wake up. Australia is coming!”
On the eve of the World Cup, I landed in Germany armed with tickets to the three Australian group matches and a backpack full of supporters’ gear.
Nothing could wipe the grin from my face.
Cologne was my first destination, a beautiful city in the midst of a beautiful celebration.
The city was awash with people draped in their national colours and fans played makeshift soccer matches to the backdrop of the elegant Rhine River.
Australian fans sang the national anthem with such gusto before our first match against Japan, only to become louder and more patriotic as the tournament progressed.
No one anticipated the Socceroos would score three goals, let alone in the last 10 minutes of the match.
The Socceroos played gallantly against Brazil, but nothing compared to the last match against Croatia in Stuttgart.
For many, including myself, this was the last match of an excellent World Cup adventure.
Outnumbered by Croatian fans, we chanted and waved our flags proudly.
The suspense turned into euphoria once Harry Kewell scored the last goal of the match to equalise and put Australia through to the final 16.
Long after the final whistle we chanted and celebrated in the stadium.
The Socceroos emerged from their locker room to join us.
We chanted that night in celebration of Australia, the Socceroos, Australian soccer legend Johnny Warren and Aussie soccer broadcaster, SBS.
I arrived in Melbourne in time to witness the Socceroos success sweep many Australians aboard the soccer bandwagon.
Soccer has survived in Australia largely through the passion of immigrants who introduced the sport to this country and who sustained its development despite the sport’s lack of profile in Australia.
But now the future of Australian soccer looks brighter than ever and, if all goes well, there won’t be too much time that passes between soccer chants.
