Overview
If you weren't in Melbourne's Federation Square for Australia's 1–0 World Cup defeat of Denmark, then you've seen the footage, with the Victorian capital's massive public space teeming with soccer fans. For the Socceroos' next game, with the squad advancing to the Round of 16, Brisbane wants to give its interstate counterpart a run for its money — with the Brisbane City Council announcing that the match will screen for free in two spots in the CBD.
Make a date with either the Queen Street Mall and King George Square, with the game set to grace screens in both spaces. The match kicks off at 5am AEST on Sunday, December 4, which clearly makes it perfect for catching at home from the comfort of your own couch; however, if you're keen to watch the must-win showdown alongside your fellow Brisbanites, you have somewhere to go.
ATTENTION @SOCCEROOS FANS pic.twitter.com/71n08CEE9K
— Adrian Schrinner (@bne_lordmayor) December 1, 2022
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed the screening sites on Friday, December 2, after tweeting on Thursday, December 1 that the city was "talking to the broadcaster about showing our historic match" in the two CBD spots.
Both venues will be up and running from 4.30am on Sunday morning — and if you've been in the inner city since Friday, December 2, you might've also noticed that City Hall is being lit up in green and gold all weekend to mark the game.
John via Flickr
Whether or not you usually have even a passing interest in soccer, you'll appreciate the sense of occasion. By emerging victorious over Denmark, the 2022 Socceroos are the most successful FIFA World Cup team to ever come out of this country, with two wins in the group stage.
The team's move to the Round of 16 is just the second time ever Australia has managed that feat, after doing the same in 2006. And, if it beats heavyweights Argentina, it'll be the first time ever that the Socceroos have made the quarter finals.
Australia take on Argentina at 5am AEST on Sunday, December 4, with the match playing on the big screens in the Queen Street Mall and at King George Square. For more information about the 2022 FIFA World Cup, head the tournament's website.
Top image: Doozeydouche via Wikimedia Commons.