Fans pack into Federation Square as Socceroos defeat Denmark
2 min read
Thousands of fans have packed Melbourne’s Federation Square to watch the Socceroos qualify for the World Cup round of 16 for the first time since 2006.
Australia defeated Denmark 1-0 to secure second spot in Group D.
A Mat Leckie goal in the 60th minute sent the crowd wild, with Nine’s Christine Ahern reporting it was « absolute mayhem » with car horns heard around the city as the Socceroos took the lead.
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« The atmosphere was absolutely unbelievable, » she said.
« Flares were set off before, during and after the match, but the crowd went absolutely beserk when Mathew Leckie scored that goal to put the Socceroos one-up.
« The crowd went wild again when the final whistle sounded. »
The very early morning start didn’t deter the supporters from turning out in large numbers, most decked out in green and gold to support the Socceroos.
« I’m so, so proud of this team, they’ve worked so hard, » one fan said.
A large police presence was on hand, but Ahern reported that trouble was limited to only a few individuals.
« The crowd rushed the stage (at full time), they had put a barrier across the stage to stop people getting on it, but they just climbed over it, » she said.
« There was one or two troublemakers, but everyone was pretty well behaved. »
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