Amid crowds decked out in green and gold, The News joined Socceroos fans at Shepparton Showgrounds to watch the live screening of Australia v Paraguay.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
We asked attendees what brought them out to watch the final Group D match on Friday, June 26.
Mick Miksad
I love seeing the Socceroos on the big stage, I love to support them. My brother came down to Melbourne for the first game. I said I'll come up here for one of them.
It is great to be part of a shared experience, no matter what background you’re from, no matter your class or culture we’re all going for the same team.
Australia’s got a good chance of getting through so it should be a good game.
John Miksad.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
John Miksad
I’ve got the week off so I’m taking the opportunity to watch the World Cup games. It’s worked out really well. We saw there was a live site here so we came to watch it.
Tessa Marnane with her son Tommy Fiorenza, 1.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Tessa Marnane
I’ve got three boys who are home schooled so we’re always looking for free events and activities. This can be part of their cultural curriculum.
Joel Aitken.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Joel Aitken
The Türkiye game was a great atmosphere so I decided to come back down. It's good to watch it with a bit of atmosphere in a good setting. It makes you feel as close to being there as you can.
I took the day off work and picked the young fella up from kindergarten so we can make a day of it.
Layla Kelly, 10.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Layla Kelly
We came to have fun and watch our country hopefully win.
Donal Shiju.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Donal Shiju
It’s a good experience to get out in the community and see the game. I’m not the hugest fan of soccer but I just thought I would watch it for the World Cup.