WORLD CUP SOCCER

G'day again! Well we've been watching the World Cup over here and it has been a lot of fun, especially since we opened our campaign against Japan, and me being in Japan. I have to say that night was one of the best nights I've had.

Trev and I headed up to Fukuoka with 'the monks' to watch the game in a sports bar. We were outnumbered 3 aussies to around 100 Japanese supporters, with everyone basically fully decked out in patriotic colours.

On the way to the bar we were spotted by a news cameraman who followed us to the bar and then set up his camera in front of our table and had it pointed at us for the majority of the night. We were on Fukuoka tv the next morning.

At the bar our Australian Gold outfits stood out like dogs balls in a sea of Japanese samurai blue, and we were attracting our fair share of attention. All good natured though. Before the game groups of Japanese supporters gathered around the two of us and yelled out their Japanese chants, which was a bit of fun. Others came up to have photos with us.

Even our lubricating ale was decked out.


The national anthem came around, so the two of us stood up to give a rousing rendition, with all eyes on us. As the anthem finished, everyone gave us a massive applause; even when we are the enemy they are really kind!

Well as you all know Japan scored first and the place errupted, and our ears were copping a bit from a few of the Japanese supporters, who were drunk by this stage after finishing their pint of beer. Fair enough though, they were having a good time. All the supporters were pretty good sportsmen, at halftime we were targeted for a few chats, and it was agreed that the aussies were dominating and unlucky to be down 0-1.

Well as the game entered the final 10 mins, and opportunities presented going begging, we were looking down the barrel. Then.....bang! We leapt for joy as Timmy Cahill goaled to level the game, then quietly sat back down as we realised the whole bar went silent. Strange feeling being so pumped up and elated with everyone else dejected. And this continued as we wacked home two more goals. I have to say there were a few fist pumps going on under the table, it was awesome.

After the game we were pretty much mobbed with people congratulating us, they were really gracious in defeat. I have some awesome video from the night; from before the game, to when the aussies scored the 3 goals, and after the game. Great to watch a game with so much passion involved deep in enemy territory (in a sporting context).

Just after we won!

Celebrating on the streets of Fukuoka

We found Fosters in a bar during our celebration and thought the night deserved an Aussie beer.

The drinking Kangaroo, soon to replace the boxing Kangaroo.

We watched all of Australia's games at various bars. The night of Australia Vs Brazil, Japan played before us, so we got a group together to watch both games. Below are a few of them.

Supporting the Aussies, with a little bit of back-up support for Japan in their game against Croatia.

All in all a great effort by the Aussies, I made a bit of money on them with some patriotic bets. Now if only the world cup wasn't a diving contest.....!

Shutes.