Promising seven-year-old striker Keeley Hughes said she was most looking forward to cheering on Sam Kerr on Sunday, even though Kerr won’t be in the mix when the Socceroos open their FIFA World Cup campaign. Blame the lasting effect of Matildas mania that gripped the nation during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Keeley will be watching the match from her local oval with her family and football club, Pagewood FC, and had some sage advice for the Socceroos against Turkey: “Get lots of goals”. The twin scored three goals in her own match on Saturday, while her sister Harper “did lots of good marking” as defender.
Meanwhile, Pagewood’s Jellicoe Park was bursting with green and gold on Saturday in preparation for the big event, as World Cup fever set in ahead of Australia’s kick-off at 2pm AEST on Sunday.
The 48-team tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This Australian group stage game takes place outside of work and school hours, while the team’s next group stage matches are scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at 5am and Friday, June 26, at 12pm.
Avid fan Juliet Kacen, 9, already plans to wake up for Australia’s 5am start. She said that she and her six-year-old sister cheer even louder than their dad. “We have a big party, watch it on the couch,” Juliet said. “We get popcorn, snacks and lots of mini pies.”
Free live sites will screen Sunday’s match across Sydney, as parks, pubs and living rooms turn to the Socceroos’ first big chance at three points in Vancouver.
Pagewood player Sam Butcher said he’s also “really loud” when watching games, and that he plans to barrack for his favourite player, Jordan Bos, at Allianz Stadium’s free screening: “When they say Aussie Aussie Aussie, I say Oi Oi Oi,” the nine-year-old midfielder said.
Where to watch Socceroos v Turkey in Sydney
- Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
- Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park
- Parramatta Square, Parramatta
- Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
- Playford Park, Bankstown
- The Canopy, Lane Cove
- Blacktown Football Park, Rooty Hill
Other notable Socceroos to draw the attention of Pagewood’s youth are Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Touré, who “score some bangers”, but most of the young players are still predicting that France will win the trophy.
In the inner west, Hurlstone Park Wanderers player Ari Sutton said that Socceroos goalkeeper Matty Ryan was his favourite. The 12-year-old predicts Australia will make it out of the group stages, and hopes they will win a knock-out game or two.
“The World Cup only comes once every four years so it’s good to watch it,” Ari said, even though it makes his mum yell “really loud”.
For Juliet, the Socceroos should keep in mind the same advice she delivers as assistant coach to her little sister’s under 7s team: “Have fun – and win”.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
