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World Cup: Everyone from PM down excited about Australia's first game

They may be bleary-eyed and nervous, but Aussie soccer fans packing bars across Australia today will also rejoice in the Socceroos' return to the World Cup finals after a 32-year absence.

The green and gold team's opening match against Japan will kick-off at 11pm today on Australia's eastern seaboard, but pubs are not expecting the late start on a work night to diminish crowds.

"We're expecting to be very, very busy indeed," said Australian Hotels Association spokesman Bill Healey, whose members have been given special dispensation in some states to stay open late for the tournament.

"People want to come to the pub and cheer on their team in a community atmosphere," he said.

Employer groups have adopted a flexible approach so Australians need not adopt the traditional remedy of "chucking a sickie" after their nocturnal excesses.

"Some people will be shifting their hours, some will work from home and others have saved up their leave to take it in one big block," Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokesman Chris Harris said.

"But no doubt there will still be a few sleepy eyes in the workplace," he said.

`glad to be there'

Among die-hard soccer fans there is little of the cocksure swagger that often accompanies Australia's efforts in sports where it traditionally dominates, such as cricket, swimming or rugby league.

"We're just glad to be there," Socceroos supporter Bruno Di Mattia said.

"If we get through to the qualifying rounds it will be a bonus," he added, noting that Australia's group includes reigning champions Brazil, Asian champions Japan and widely-respected Croatia.

Like many soccer fans in multicultural Australia, Sydney-based Di Mattia's loyalties are split between the national side and his country of ethnic origin -- in this case, Italy.

Large expatriate Italian and English communities are preparing their own events to urge on their teams, while at Sydney's famous Bondi beach, backpackers from every corner of the world will ensure no side is unsupported.

Briton Neil Liasides said England remained his first team even after 20 years of living in Australia.

But he admitted to a soft spot for the Socceroos after seeing them come close to reaching the 1994, 1998 and 2002 finals, only to lose their final qualifying matches and remain in the soccer wilderness.
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