Yeap, as I have mentioned above, this post is about the fabulous worldcup qualifying match for Asia region countries, where Aussie were battling with Iraq (the former Asian Cup champion) for 3 important points in their group stage qualifying round. It is sort of chance of lifetime to have the match held in Brissy because most of the big games are always carried out in bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Thanks to Queensland's Premier and Sports Minister for their efforts to bring such blockbuster match for brissy lads to enjoy!!
We (JZ, Ernest, Jocelyn and I) caught an exclusive train from Toowong train station for the match at SunCorp Stadium (beside Milton train station) with free public service if the football match ticket is shown to the officers. Cool huh...free rides, mates!!
Crazy huge crowds heading to the match of fame...
Largest stadium in Queesland...with capacity to fit 52,000 people
From left: Jocelyn, Ernest, me and JZ - An aussie at the back trying to squeece into our pic...haa~
As it was my 1st time in my life to watch a live soccer match in a stadium, I was so amazed with the atmosphere and the ampleness of the smooth and silky turf...
3 match referees and players from 2 nations were warming up...
The Aussie supporter bay...
Posing infront of the football field...
With concession ticket worth of AUD$35, we managed to get a place at such high altitude view...
The battling teams were lining up to sing their national anthemes...Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh and FIFA President, Sepp Blatter were there to witness the honourable match!!
I was wondering if I couldn't have clear view of the whole ground but it was surprisingly apparent enough to see the player dribbling...All the star players except Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill, Lucas Neil, John Aloisi, Archie Thompson were there to compete for their kangaroo country!! Of coz, my favourite Harry Kewell (former Liverpool FC midfielder) with his valuable oversea experiences has no doubt deserved the captaincy for Socceroos!! The conspicuous player with his outstanding dribbling, handling and passing skills was the limelight of the night!!
Soon after the match get started, Iraq has threatening the Socceroos' goal post but luckily the iron-willed Mark Schwarzer was there to deny all the scoring chances...!! Both sides missed a string of scoring opportunites in the first half. Just 2 minutes after the second half of the match started, the former Liverpool star has headed the free-header ball delivered by Brett Emerton and crossed past Iraqi goalkeeper Noor Sabri. The whole stadium has immediately turned out to be a pandemonium, everyone was so delighted of that goal!!
Socceroos members celebrating Harry's goal...
Australia has dominated possession but had to withstand a storming finish from Iraq, who had three clear chances in the closing minutes. At about 7.30pm, the match referee has blown the fulltime whistle and Socceroos have grabbed the vital 3 points with the final score of 1-0. The Aussie team coach Pim Verbeek was satisfied with Socceroos performance but with a promise to bring out the best of the team eventually along the qualifying matches.
Harry was approached by match commentators for post-match analysis...
I thought it was a really great experience to have watched the live soccer match even though the exam is just around the corner...aiks...will strive hard to prepare and get through of the upcoming 4 TOUGH papers!! Alright, its 12.10pm noon, its time for me to get my stomach satisfied before it grumbles...wahaaa...take good care and all the best to all of ya out there. I'll be back shortly!! Cheersss, mates!!!
Love,
Kev XOX
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