By Ruza Zivkusic
EMOTIONS were high in St Albans Soccer Club last Friday as more than 80 passionate Croats rose at dawn to watch the long-awaited match between the Socceroos and their native country.
The fans, draped in Australian and Croatian jerseys and scarfs, were mostly young people who cheered equally for both teams as Australia secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
They sat in front of a large plasma screen, enthusiastically watching the Australian players battle against the Croats, with six of the Socceroos having Croatian roots – including Jason Culina, who played for a junior team at the St Albans club.
And more than 200 fans turned up at the Australia Croatian Association, in Footscray, to watch the match.
The Croats dramatically took the lead during the first two minutes, instantly firing up the crowd.
Then there was joy as the Australians equalled the score, with fans cheering for Mark Viduka and Jason Culina.
Four die-hard Socceroos’ fans, close friends of Mark Viduka and his family, said they got little sleep before the match as the excitement grew.
Evie, who did not want her surname published, felt proud that Australia made it into the World Cup finals.
“The game puts everybody on the map. It’s a great moment and we’re really proud of them,” she said.
Ilija Rados, who plays for the club’s senior team, said he was happy with either team winning.
“I don’t really mind who wins, but I would prefer if Croatia wins because it’s sort of in my blood,” Mr Rados said.
The club’s president, Anthony Sesto, said he expected more people to be there to watch the game. “A lot of them probably turned up at Federation Square in the city,” Mr Sesto said.
Elated fans of the Socceroos spent the rest of the day thinking about this morning’s meeting with Italy.
