World Cup bonanza
Mon 29 May 2006
Jonathan Williams, Journalism
Interest in football is at an all time high with only days to go before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Germany.
When the Socceroos did the unthinkable last year and qualified for the 2006 World Cup, it not only became one of Australia’s greatest ever sporting moments, it was also a business bonanza for the owner of the Sunshine Coast’s Soccer Works store, Craig Milehan.
Everyone needed a place turn to for their football attire when things came down to wire in qualification late last year and Mr Milehan’s shop was the perfect destination.
“Without a doubt, business has been great since then, I mean it’s been 32 years since we last qualified for the World Cup and we’ve had so many close calls and disappointments along the way, it was great for the game, great for sport in Australia and I guess also great for me and my store,” Mr Milehan said.
The children’s supporters’ jersey is the most popular item on sale in the store.
“The kids just love it, they love getting behind the Socceroos any way they can. Jerseys, scarves, flags anything they can get their hands on. The young kids need heroes like the Vidukas, Kewells, Cahills etc. They’ve never had it before, now is their chance to do that,” he said.
It has not just been Australian fans who have been hit by football fever; English, Brazilians, and Italians have also been frequenting the store.
“There have been so many people from different nationalities dropping in, of course all extremely confident in their chances, but that’s just all part of it. A lot of supporters who have a favourite player will follow them in the World Cup, guys like Ronaldo, Beckham, Zidane etc, are all very popular,” he said.
When Australia plays its first three qualifying games against Japan, Crotia and of course Brazil, pubs and clubs across the Coast will be jam-packed with excited onlookers, the majority hoping and praying for green and gold victory.
Despite kick-off for most games being in the early hours of the morning, time will mean very little. Pubs such as the Pig 'n' Whistle in Maroochydore will be hubs of excitement, and not only for Socceroo supporters. Fans from the mother country will there in abundance sweating on the fitness of their golden child Wayne Rooney.
Despite the Australian teams’ current mini injury crisis, all players are expected to be fit for the biggest moment of their careers. If the support from their fans, especially in regional areas such as the Sunshine Coast is anything to go by, these heroes won’t be missing it for anything.
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