Soccer fans across the Goulburn Valley will set their alarms a little earlier on the morning of Wednesday, November 23.
At 6am tomorrow the Socceroos begin their 2022 World Cup campaign with a mammoth task — a clash with reigning champion France.
Australia will compete at its fifth World Cup this year, but has not made it out of the group stage since 2006, when a remarkable run of form had it reach the round of 16, only to go down in heartbreaking fashion to Italy.
This year it will dare to dream yet again.
Socceroos World Cup matches
Game 1
Australia v France
Date: November 23
Kick-off: 6am
Game 2
Australia v Tunisia
Date: November 26
Kick-off: 9pm
Game 3
Australia v Denmark
Date: December 1
Kick-off: 2am
With a handful of young stars looking to make their mark on the world stage, headlined by none other than Shepparton talisman Garang Kuol, Graham Arnold’s men will be eager to flip the script and run full pelt at World Cup glory.
Competing alongside the Socceroos in Group D are two familiar foes, Denmark and France, who the Socceroos lost and drew to at the World Cup in Russia in 2018.
All World Cup matches this year are broadcast live and free on SBS, but if you’re keen for a big screen experience, the Goulburn Valley Suns have you covered.
To support their star youth export the Suns will hold a special watch party for the Socceroos’ clash with Tunisia at 9pm on Saturday, November 26 at the Shepparton Sports City pavilion.
Australia will then take on Denmark in the final group stage match on Thursday, December 1.
Clubs and coaches offer support
“Good luck Garang! Play with freedom and absolutely no fear - show the world what you can do. We are so proud of everything you are achieving! You are the benchmark and icon for every young aspiring football player in Shepparton. Be authentic and be yourself - the rest will take care of itself. Good luck and enjoy every moment.” - Craig Carley, GV Suns head coach.
“From everyone at Shepparton United, we’d like to congratulate Garang for making it into the World Cup squad. We have full faith in his ability to drive us forward in this upcoming World Cup. It’s great to see a local player make it to the big stage. Good luck Garang, and go dominate.” - Lewis Coyle, Shepparton United coach.
“Shepparton Soccer Club wishes Garang and the Socceroos all the very best for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Inspiring young footballers across the globe to believe in their dreams and never give up on achieving them. As a grassroots club, we are honoured and proud you started your club football journey with us and we hope this World Cup showcases the superstar we all know you can be. Congratulations Garang.” - Shepparton Soccer Club.
“All the best at the World Cup Garang, we are sure you’ll do Australia proud. Good luck from Tatura Soccer Club.” - Tatura Soccer Club.