Overview
If you weren't in Federation Square for Australia's 1–0 World Cup defeat of Denmark, then you've seen the footage, with Melbourne's massive central space teeming with thousands of soccer fans. For the Socceroos' next game, with the squad advancing to the Round of 16, the Victorian Government has realised that even more folks will want to head out for the match. Accordingly, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that the game will also screen in two other big public spots.
If you can't make it to Fed Square, make a date with either AAMI Park and Victoria Golf Club, with the match set to grace screens in both spaces. The game kicks off at 6am AEDT 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 Melburnians, you now have a few options.
I reckon we might need a bit more space than just Fed Square to watch the @Socceroos take on Argentina.
So we're going to open up AAMI Park and put the game on the big screens.
And it'll be completely free. pic.twitter.com/SSflcdQy60
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) December 3, 2022
Entry to AAMI Park will be completely free, with gates opening at 5am and attendees able to sit in the stadium's grandstand seats to watch.
Over at Victoria Golf Club in Cheltenham, the doors will open at 5.30am, with the World Cup match playing on the site's village big screen. Entry will only be free for the first 500 people through the gate, though, and cost $33 for adults after that — but tickets include staying all day, with the Australian Open golf tournament also on at venue.
Fed Square is still a viewing option, of course. Also, elsewhere in the city, Victoria's landmark buildings will be lit up in green and gold from 8pm on Saturday through till dawn on Sunday to mark the game.
Gary Houston, Wikimedia Commons
"This Sunday will see thousands of football fans again descend on Melbourne's CBD, so we're making more live sites available for football fans to watch the Socceroos' historic World Cup match against Argentina," said the Premier in a statement.
"This is Australia's best-ever World Cup performance, and we're making sure as many people as possible can enjoy the action and cheer on our side as it takes the field in Qatar."
"I encourage football fans to come down, soak the atmosphere and cheer on the Socceroos in a safe and respectful manner at the live sites."
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 6am AEDT on Sunday, December 4, with the match playing on the big screen at Federation Square, AAMI Park and Victoria Golf Club. For more information about the 2022 FIFA World Cup, head the tournament's website. For further details about the live sites at AAMI Park and Victoria Golf Club, check out the Victorian Government's website.
Top image: Doozeydouche via Wikimedia Commons.