The NSW Government is getting behind the Socceroos and activating Sydney to allow football fans to come together to cheer on the Socceroos when they step onto the pitch for their final 16 match in the 2022 World Cup on Sunday morning.
The Socceroos defeated Denmark 1-0 in their final group match this morning to clinch a spot in the final 16, the first time the men’s national team has made it to the knockout stage since the “Golden Generation” of Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill in 2006.
The Socceroos will face Argentina at 6am AEDT on Sunday.
A large screen will be set up at Tumbalong Park from 5:30am in Darling Harbour in an alcohol-free, free public event. Darling Harbour retailers are being encouraged to open their doors early to welcome football fans travelling in to cheer on the national team.
The Sydney Opera House sails will also be lit up green and gold from 8pm Saturday night until dawn Sunday.
Transport will be free Sydney-wide on Sunday from 4am to 12pm to help fans get to and from the live sites.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the live sites will be an opportunity for fans to gather together to celebrate a historic moment.
“The effort the team put in to beat Denmark was truly remarkable – a true testament of the Australian spirit in the way they defended every Danish attack, were tenacious in every tackle, and sealed it with a spectacular goal,” Mr Perrottet said.
“On Sunday morning Sydney football fans can watch the game together and cheer on the team as they push to make history and earn a spot in the quarter-finals.”
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said Sydney was ready to show the world how it celebrates one of the great sporting stories of 2022.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than Australia making the knockout stage of a World Cup and Australians will be in loud voice at Tumbalong Park on Sunday morning,” Mr Stokes said.
“Diego Maradona’s Argentina famously crushed Australia’s World Cup dreams in 1993 and now we have the chance to seek revenge on Lionel Messi’s Argentina, with our squad of underdogs ready to herd the GOAT.
“This is one of those rare moments in time where we can get together in the greatest city in the world to celebrate living in the greatest country in the world, so I encourage everyone to do just that.”
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the live sites would operate in addition to extended trading hours for licensed venues.
“It is important that we can host a live site in Western Sydney, the source of so much Socceroos talent and where players like Mitch Duke and Aaron Mooy honed their craft, as well as where thousands of junior footballers are imagining their own World Cup success today,” Mr Henskens said.
“I would encourage all football fans to head down to one of the live sites, or to your local pub or club, to celebrate and cheer on the Socceroos on Sunday.”
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said Transport will be free Sydney-wide on Sunday to help fans get to and from the live sites.
“The nation is rallying behind our boys in green and gold. We’re offering free public transport to commuters getting to and from locations to watch their mighty Socceroos.” Mr Elliott said.
“I’m proud to see our Western Sydney gents represent our country on the world stage.”
Liverpool City Council’s Mayor Ned Mannoun has also arranged for the big match to be broadcast live from the heart of the Liverpool CBD at Macquarie Mall. The screen will be activated from 5am.
“Bring the kids down to the Macquarie Mall early Sunday and enjoy some good clean family fun,” said Mayor Ned Mannoun.
“The match will be broadcast on the big screen at the Moore Street end of the Macquarie Mall. And, while most of us in Liverpool will be cheering on the Aussies, I’d like to extend an invitation to the Argentinian supporters to join us too.
“That’s because everyone is welcome in our great city. Even Argentinian soccer supporters.”
