I caught a peak hour tube train on the Picadilly Line this morning. I don’t usually like to catch peak hour anything in London. I have a natural aversion to having an umbrella jammed up my arse, you see. But I had to be at the Walkabout Bar in Covent Garden by 9 a.m. Not for an early morning XXXX, you understand, but to lend my support to the Socceroos down in Sydney trying to qualify for the Soccer World cup for the first time since 1974.
I won’t bore you with the details but the Aussies won after a penalty shoot-out at the end of extra time. Mark Schwarzer, the Aussie goal keeper, is now officially a ‘Legend’ – the highest honour that can be bestowed on any Australian male. And I almost forgave Harry Kewell for his ridiculous double pony-tail – such was the quality of his performance.
But you know what the nicest part of the morning was? It was when the bar staff turned down the post-match commentary and put on some music. There’s something heartwarming about a pub full of loved up Aussies singing Downunder by Men at Work. Then Khe Sahn by Cold Chisel. Then We are the Champions by Queen.
See you in The Walkabout in Berlin next July, shall I?
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I’m a Canadian living in Sydney and working at Manning Bar at Sydney Uni. I watched the big game at Manning Bar and it was easily the most memorable experience I’ve had in my six months here in Oz.
The explosion of energy, the comradery, and the sense of pride felt when the game winning goal was scored was quite euphoric and I felt really lucky to be witnessing a moment in Australian history.
Uh oh, we’ve drawn Brazil……despite what Sven thinks I reckon it would have been ‘interesting’ to be drawn in the same group as England. Might be just as well seeing as I have to work in London.