Cahill Should Be Okay

Great news that the great Tim Cahill should be okay for the Netherlands game this weekend. While many outside Australia (or Everton) would not have heard of Tim before, we all know that his fitness is critical to the Socceroos chances. I am looking forward to seeing him get a half or so against the Dutch.

Just on that game, our office has a Punters Club whereby four of us put in $10 each and we form a multiple bet based on our selections. We have had one collect thus far, however, I was thinking about making my bet this week for the Aussies to beat the Dutch. That would be a huge result if it occurred, but I am not so sure of the strategy Guus will employ. While he says this is going to be a serious hitout, the master tactician that he is would suggest that he may very well be happy with an honorable loss so that our Japanese friends can be lulled into a false sense of security. It will be an intriguing game.

I will also have to be on the lookout for Cousin Frankie. He lands in Amsterdam that day and will head out to Rotterdam for the match. Hopefully he and his mate have no trouble getting in. Good luck Frankie, see you in Germany!!

Big Day at the G

Well it was a huge day for me last Thursday. Due to work and drinking committments, I have not been able to talk about it on my Blog until now.

I had a massive day at a lunch at the Hyatt, which was coincidently where the players were staying during their time in Melbourne. I actually bumped into both Zeljko Kelic before the match and had a quick chat about the game. Needless to say he had little time to converse with a half drunken guy in a suit, so he politely told me he was looking forward to it.

Anyway, a few more beers with mates at the pub after lunch and we were off to the G. The match was a pretty lack-lustre affair, however, seeing everyone in the green and gold really gave me an idea as to what it may be like in Germany. While the actual atmosphere was non-existant, this will be multiplied 1000 fold when we take the field against Japan.

During the weekend I also made some apparel purchases. I got the new strip and a t-shirt to go with my scarf, beanie and other Aussie tops. Will need ot purchase some flags prior to our departure though. I also am now wearing green and gold wristbands courtesy of Rebel Sports. I have promised not to take them off until the Aussies are eliminated (or win) the Cup.

Just one comment on the game as most would have read plenty about it by now, was that I was impressed with one of my old school mates come good. Joey Skoos's goal was brilliant, and while I did not know him directly, he did attend Chanel College while I was at the school. Actually, the school will have two reps at the World Cup with Joey Didiluca also attending there and he may line up for Croatia.

Frankies Folly

I had to help out cousin Frankie this week set up his webcam so that he can see his youngsters while traveling around Europe. You may have read in a previous post Frank is going over to the World Cup with a) No tickets, b) No transport and c) No tickets.

What a legend. However, for those who do not know Frankie, he is a resourceful chap and will have no problems getting by. He actually arrives in Amsterdam the day of our practice match with Holland. He will then travel with a mate to Rotterdam to watch the match (he has a ticket for that one), then onward to Belgium where he hopes to commute to Germany for matches.

Anyway, enough about Frankie. Onto tomorrow night's match. Should be massive to say the least, and will undoubtedly set a football crowd record for Australia. I am glad to be part of it.

The injuries surrounding the boys though are of a little bit of a concern. Hopefully they can come good at the right time, but it is certainly not the kind of lead in we would have hoped for. I am just crossing all my fingers and toes that we come out unscathed tomorrow, as more injuries could really hurt our chances.

My plans for tomorrow are to down a few ales at a lunch I have been invited to that finishes around 3pm or so. Then find a pub nearby and wait for my friends and wife to arrive, then get changed and head to a bar nearby the ground. I should be in full voice by that time, so I cannot wait... Though I am not sure how well I will be at work the next day.

FFA Apparel

Thought it would be nice to post some of the stuff we will be wearing while over there in Germany. I was a little surprised by the designs, and am a little bit skeptical as to how they will look, but at this stage I am going in with an open mind.

The windcheater looks a little gay in the design, especially with the white sleeves and bright yellow, though I guess we will want to be standing out from the crowd, and this will acheive the effect.

With regards to the thongs, well enough said really. Cannot see these getting much of an airing in Germany, though undoubtedly they will be a nice reminder of the trip on those days when I trapse down to the beach in summer.

As for the shirt, well this is the real winner. I think this is something that I would not have too much trouble wearing out.

I am indifferent to the shorts. Not too keen on them being so white though as they will look dirty pretty quickly and I am not too keen on doing much washing while I am over there, so their life may be limited.

Finally the visor. I do not really have any issues with this, other than the fact that my Aussie cap that I currently have will be worn most of the time. I got in in England during the Ashes and got Dizzy Gillespie to sign it as he was walking out of the Oval on Day Three of the final test. Even after all he had been through, he still had time to sign it, I admire that, and as such, wear the hat with pride.

Itineraries Released

How exciting, I have just spent half an hour having a read through the itineraries and all my fears have been put to rest.

They all appear to be well thought out, with plenty of parties, activities and convenient travel to make the "in between bits" a pleasure.

And for those who can be bothered reading the itinerary, here it is in full. Enjoy!

Itinerary: Premier Hotel Option
Sunday 11 June: Arrive Frankfurt & City Tour
2:00pm: Check into the hotel & get ready for FIFA World Cup fever; a 12-day journey to four German cities, three matches and a host of great, new experiences.

3:00pm: Meet in the hotel bar, it’s the FFA Tour leaders' shout & a great opportunity to meet them & your fellow Australian supporters.

4:00pm: Meet in the hotel lobby where we are joined by our German tour guide for a walk along the historic Main River that dissects Frankfurt. We take in the many sights, bars & a string of museums that line the southern bank of the Main River – also known as the Museum Embankment.

Frankfurt is the financial hub of Germany. With a history dating back to Charlemagne in 794ad, Frankfurt has played pivotal roles in European history including the Holy Roman Empire. As its markets flourished during the 12th and 13th centuries, so did its importance as a trade centre – attracting business from as far a-field as the Mediterranean and the Baltic.

Today, Frankfurt is a shining example of Germany’s post-war economic redevelopment. With about 80% of the city destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944, Frankfurt now stands testimony to the hard work and application of a nation and a city to recover from such dire circumstances.
Our tour ends at 7pm at the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel (Hamburger Allee 2 – 10, Frankfurk) in downtown Frankfurt. The Marriott is the venue for tonight’s fully-inclusive Official FFA Travel World Cup Welcome Function. The fridges will be stacked & the food prepared as our tour hosts - Frank Farina, Robbie Slater & Alex Tobin grab the microphone to welcome you & your fellow tourists for what promises to be possibly the biggest two weeks of your life.

6:30pm: For those of you that arrive later or are not interested in the downtown tour, we have organised coach transfers to the function. These will depart your hotel at 6:30pm. Please meet in the lobby bar.

Tonight’s function finishes at 12 midnight where you will have an opportunity to board one of our return transfers back to your hotel.

Overnight: Frankfurt

Monday 12 June: Match Day - Australia v Japan in Kaiserslautern, 3pm
The Aussies are coming! This is it. The wait is over and 20 million Australians back home will be relying on you to give it everything today as we get behind Guus & the boys. Throw on the Aussie clobber, tickle the tonsils and get ready for the Aussie Express.

Tour note: at this time we are still waiting on the exact time of our charter train departure times from the local organising committee. We hope to know soon but they have told us that we might have to wait until the end of May due to the large number of bookings they have. We have chartered a whole train so there is not a problem with our train but because it is a charter & not a normal service they need to fit us into a timetable. Please refer back to this once a week before the trip & we will update it as soon as we know. Please don’t call us about that, we will upload it as soon as we know.

TBC am: This morning meet your tour leader in the lobby of your hotel before TBC. We depart at TBC for the local train to the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof where we will be boarding the Aussie Expresses; 2 x 1,200 seater trains that we have chartered for the trip to Kaiserslautern.
When you collect your match tickets on the first day you will receive a train seat number & an identification pass that you will need to board this train. If you do not bring this pass you will not be permitted to board. The train follows German train etiquette so if you sit in someone else’s seat, travel without your pass or you misbehave you will be turfed off & you may be arrested.
Please understand German police take this very seriously.

TBC am: The Aussie Express Departs. On board each passenger will have a numbered seat & you will be need to keep that seat. There will be a catering coach however you are unable to take your own provisions on board.

TBC am: When we get to Kaiserslatern & depart the train there will be an incredible mass of people at the one time. Please walk out of the Hopphanhof & follow these instructions to get to an area that we recommend for pre-match festivities.

The street straight ahead is the Richard-Wagner-Strasse. Please turn diagonally right into Pirmasenser Birmasenser which becomes Kerst Strasse which then becomes Markt Strasse (note: it’s all the one street) This street will take you down to the main bar region.
At the bottom of that hill on your right is the Fan Fest Live Site on Stiftsplatz. However as we are the first game of the day we will continue straight ahead past the Fan Fest. At the end of Markt Strasse you will cross the road where directly ahead of you is the area that is St MartinPlatz.

St MartinPlatz is the epicenter of our pre-match activity featuring seven bars, a medieval fountain & an amphitheatre of pre-match hype. You will see just how crazy this area is when you get there. Our plan is to turn this into Aussie-Platz today.

1:00pm: After a few beers & many songs we depart & make our way along the 'World Cup Mile' which leads to the stadium. We aim to be in the ground by 1:30pm as we count down the last hour for the most eagerly awaited kick-off in Australian sporting history. From St Martinplatz it is 15 minutes walk up the hill to the stadium.

This stadium has to be seen to be believed. A brand new, steep stadium could not be a more imposing way for each team to start Germany 2006.

3:00pm: Kick Off - Australia v Japan.
Tonight's match is at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion & the opponents are Asian Champions Japan in their opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Bring you singing voices, we'll need them over the parochial Japanese fans.

After the game we head back into the city to grab a quick meal in Kaiserslauten at the Live Site in Stifts Platz, before jumping back on the Aussie Express to Frankfurt to continue the celebrating at the Socceroo’s first win over Japan in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

TBC pm: Aussie Express Departs. Please note: if you are not onboard the train will not wait, it has German timetables to adhere to. You will be back in Frankfurt at TBC pm.

Overnight: Frankfurt

Tuesday 13 June: Frankfurt Free Day
8:30am: This morning we meet in the lobby & journey off for a 5-a-side kick along with Frank, Robbie & Alex.

So if you fancy yourself as a footballer, bring the boots & shin guards for a kick. It will go for about 2 hours & will be a good opportunity to blow off any remaining cob webs from the flight over.

For those not interested in a kick, this morning offers some free time after breakfast to catch up on sleep, read about the Socceroos victory or take in some local sights.

A good place to start in Frankfurt is the Main Tower – a relatively new addition to Frankfurt’s skyline and the only high-rise in town with a public viewing platform. At 200m tall the tower offers great views of the city in all directions.

12:00pm: For those who spend the morning relaxing at the hotel or playing 5-a-side we will be meeting in the lobby at midday & taking the train to the old square to experience the city.

1:00pm: For those of you who left earlier this morning you can meet up with us at 1:30pm. We will be meeting on the corner of Zeil & K. Adenauer Strasse. There is a massive square there & it is directly above the S-Bahn stop Konstablerwache.

2:30pm: We head down to the Fan Fest Live Site to watch one of the many games in progress today. With the many other soccer fans gathered in Frankfurt, we will watch Korea take on Togo on the big screen at 3pm, before staying to watch France take the field against Switzerland from Stuttgart at 6pm.

Don’t go anywhere as the two remaining teams in the Socceroos Pool F go head-to-head in Berlin at 9pm tonight. These two teams compete for an outcome that will have a direct influence on the Socceroos’ progress through the group stage of the tournament.

Overnight: Frankfurt

Wednesday 14 June: Frankfurt to Berlin
7:30am: Meet in the lobby of your hotel. You must have checked out & be ready to board the coach at 7:30am for a 7:45am departure. With the first round of games completed in Pool F and a good selection of Frankfurt covered we head to the German capital Berlin.

We have recently returned from a reconnaissance trip to Berlin where we had a sensational time in this great city. You will see a city that is totally transformed since World War II ended & we are sure you will be glad we made the trip to the city that will host the Final on July 9.
In contrast is the beautiful town of Ehrfurt where we stop for lunch on route to Berlin from Frankfurt. Ehrfurt is a small picturesque town & an official historic highlight of Germany. The beauty of Ehrfurt is that it is one of the only areas in Germany not gutted by the World Wars. We stop at the Domplatz. From there take an easy stroll along Marketplatz to the “Fish Market” square with its many outdoor eateries and traditional German architecture.

We spend an hour there before re-boarding our coaches to arrive into Berlin this evening. After settling into your accommodation, switch on the TV to watch the pride of African football go head-to-head as Tunisia take on Saudi Arabia from Munich at 6pm.

8:00pm: Meet your guide in the lobby bar for our departure to the Live Site. Throughout the FIFA World Cup, the area of the Strasse des 17. Juni (17 June Street) from the Brandenburg Gate as far as the Victory Column will become a two kilometre-long party venue. Today’s highlight is the game between host nation Germany and Poland from Dortmund at 9pm. This game is sure to arouse the passions of German football fans across the city and will be the second best place to watch the game – short of being there ourselves.

Following the game head back to the hotel for a well earned rest or kick on with the German fans at one of the many bars that litter the city.

Overnight: Berlin

Thursday 15 June: Berlin City Tour

Tour note: Depending on which hotel you are staying at; the Berlin City tour on June 15 & the Third Reich tour on June 16 will be interchanged. ie some people will take the City tour on one day & the Third Reich tour the next & vice versa. Both tours are world class so make sure you are available on each day for what will be highlight of the tour.

9:30am: After the helter skelter that was last night’s football, today is a chance to get acquainted with this jewel of Europe. Once languishing as a divided city, Berlin has blossomed to become a hub of European youth culture and a city that can keep you busy 24/7.
We will start your day with a 4-5 hour guided trip of the city. Our locally based guides have called this tour Berlin: Past, Present, Future: Teutonic Knights through to Cold War Division, the fall of the Wall and return of the German Capital. Starting early to beat the crowds at the dome of the Reichstag, we head south to the Brandenburg gate to start a classic stroll along Unter den Linden with a detour to Gendarmenmarket and the glamorous shops along Friedrichstrasse.
After lunch take a peek into the Berliner Dom before being awed by the antiques at the Pergamon Museum. Conclude the stroll in the Scheunenviertel with its many cafes, galleries, shops and the classic Berlin courtyards like the Hackesche Hofe.

Today is a chance to recharge the batteries in this great city. This is also the perfect chance to see some of the great sights in German history. If you like history – you will love Berlin.

3:00pm: After our tour ends, why not try your luck at getting into the Adidas Stadium in Berlin – a sensational purpose built entertainment stadium. Tonight England play Trinidad and Tobago in Nuremburg at 6pm.

Following the game, Sweden take on Paraguay, right here in Berlin. The cold, calculated play of the Swedes will be well matched against the Latino flair of the South Americans. Try your luck at getting tickets at the ground or stay in town at the Fan Fest. Irrespective of what you do, Berlin will be one great city to be in as the World Cup comes to town.

Overnight: Berlin

Friday 16 June: Berlin Third Reich Tour
9:30am: This morning we meet in our hotel lobby for a 3rd Reich Berlin - Hitler & the final days of WWII tour.

Starting in the heart of west Berlin marked by the cragged spire of the bombed out Memorial Church, we travel through the streets to see Goering's Air Defense Ministry where the Luftwaffe coordinated the Battle of Britain, the ruins of Himmler's SS and Gestapo HQs along the “Topography of Terror” exhibit & the site of the New Reichschancellery, the seat of power of Nazi held Europe.

We stand above the exact location of the Führer Bunker as our tour guide describes Hitler's last days spent in the bunker, and the fate of his remains using information of recently released Soviet archives.

As Berlin became a stage of fire and death Hitler reiterated the original premise of Nazism - total victory or annihilation - our tour guide outlines the ramifications it held for the new world.
3:00pm: The tour finishes at & we head back into the Fan Fest Live Site on Strasse des 17. Juni.
Join us for the Argentina vs Serbia game in the main square beamed live from Gelsenkirchen at 3pm. At 6pm, Holland take on The Ivory Coast in Stuttgart before our attention switches to Hanover where Mexico takes to the field against Angola.

8:00pm: For the more socially active, this evening head down to east Berlin’s thriving bar and restaurant area Hackescher Markt. Right at the Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station you’ll find a series of sensational outdoor bars and some hip little places hidden under the arches of the train line. The nearby Oranienburger Strasse also has a wonderful stretch of restaurants with a range of international cuisine.

Overnight: Berlin

Saturday 17 June: Berlin to Munich
7:30am: Be in the hotel lobby at 7:30am this morning, checked out of your hotel & ready to board the bus for a 7:45am departure. We take the coach south to Munich for one of the games of the tournament as the Socceroos take on Brazil in Group F. Please don’t be late, our coaches will not wait around for anyone running late.

Along the way we travel through some of Germany’s most beautiful scenery – the Bavarian countryside & stop for lunch on the way. We arrive in the region’s capital Munich mid afternoon.
This region is a must visit of Germany. All of the old stereotypes of lederhosen, beer halls, oompah bands and romantic castles are right alongside the high-tech power of BMW and Siemens.

Munich is the Bavarian mother lode. It’s home to world-class museums, a great cultural scene, boisterous nightlife and spectacular festivals renowned the world over.
Munich will be abuzz today as the Brazilian juggernaut roles into town. Check out the city this evening before we team up with the Brazilian supporters at our official pre-match Samba Party complete with Brazilian beats, beauties and fine Bavarian beer.

On our recent trip to the FIFA draw the Brazilian organising committee was over the moon at the idea of the party & pledged to support it in every way. Both Australians and Brazilians are well known as the friendliest and best supporters in the world so when the two join forces tonight it’ll be simply crazy.

6:30pm: Coaches depart hotels for travel to the Brazil & Australia Samba Party.

7:00pm: Brazil & Australia Samba Party – Lowenbraukeller Beer Hall. am Stiglmaierplatz, FSG-Betriebs GmbH GF Fritz Seyferth, Nymphenburger Strasse 2.

Tonight will be one of the highlights of the tour & something not to be missed. With over 2,500 Socceroo fans buzzing to the local umpa band, throw in the samba beats & we are in for something special.

12:00 midnight: Return coach transfer back to your hotel.
Today's matches include Portugal vs Iran at 3pm. Following that game the Czech Republic plays Ghana at 6pm live from Cologne while at 9pm the might of Italian football takes on the USA in Kaiserslautern.

Overnight: Munich

Sunday 18 June – Match of the Year

The butterflies will start early today as the Aussies head into the lion’s den against the greatest superpower in ever seen in sport, Brazil.

10:30am: We depart our hotel after a lazy breakfast & head out to our pre-match party at Aumeister OHG, Sondermeierstraße 1, 80939 München.

We have booked the whole beer garden for all FFA Travel passengers so here's an opportunity to meet up with your fellow fans & savour what will be a tour highlight. The beer garden is in the beautiful English Garden & flanked by some of Munich's best scenary.

3:00pm: We depart here & take the train to the stadium where we take our allotted seats at the 66,000 seat Munich stadium. Today it’s the game we have all been waiting for as the Socceroos take on world champions Brazil in their second match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Bring you singing voices, as we cheer the boys onto Victory.

6:00pm: Kick Off - Australia v Brazil

Regardless of the result, we plan to be giving thanks for the football spectacle we have just witnessed by visiting one of Munich’s many bars en route to the hotel. We get off the train at Marienplatz – the scene of massive celebrations by Bayern Munich fans after their recent Bundesliga championship. This is the traditional home of football celebration in Munich - here's hoping, we will also be celebrating a great Socceroo victory.

Overnight: Munich

Monday 19 June: Socceroo Training Session
This morning we had planned to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp or a closed Socceroo training session.We have had confirmation that Guus Hiddink will allow FFA Travel passengers the opportunity to attend today's session in Oehringen so we will be traveling up to this great little town.

TBC am: We depart our hotels in Munich early for the trip up to the Socceroos base camp. Our chartered train departs Munich Hauptbahnhof at TBC so you will need to be ready to depart the hotel at TBC as we will be making our way on mass to the station.

TBC: Train departs Munich Hauptbahnhof to Oehringen. We arrive at XXX & after some time looking around the town square we make our way to the training session.

The town of Oehringen are expecting us today & this place really has to be seen to be believed. The town has adopted the Aussie team with every single bar, shop & restaurant already proudly flying Australian flags. We can guarantee you are in for a special today.

This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the boys in Camp so bring the camera. You will need to bring your FFA Travel identification pass that you will receive when you collect your tickets, as ID will be required to attend.

Following the training session we spend the afternoon in the town square watching the 6pm match between the Ukraine and Saudi Arabia in Hamburg.

TBC pm: Our train departs Oehringen back to Munich.

Overnight: Munich

Tuesday 20 June: Munich to Stuttgart

Today we head to Stuttgart to get ready for the crucial final group match that could make or break Australia’s tournament.

8:45am: Meet in the lobby of your hotel. You must have checked out & be ready to board the coach for an 9:00am departure. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Stuttgart. Once we arrive we either check in if the rooms are free or store our bags before joining your tour guide in the hotel lobby for the trip into town & the Fan Fest Live Site.

4:00pm: Host nation Germany take on Ecuador at 4pm in Berlin. We will be watching this from the sensational town square Fan Fest Live Site in Stuttgart. But that doesn’t end the football festivities this evening.

Hang around to cheer Sweden as they take on England in Cologne at 9pm, while Paraguay faces Trinidad and Tobago, also at 9pm, in Kaiserslautern.

Overnight: Stuttgart

Wednesday 21 June: Stuttgart City Tour
Is too much football ever enough? Hold onto your hats as another four World Cup games get underway this evening. Before kick-off however – Stuttgart beckons. This morning we will take a guided 1/2 day tour of Stuttgart, taking in the many sights of the city and experiencing much of the 1500 years of its history.

10:00am: We will be taking the train to the main square this morning where we will be meeting up with our tour guide.

11:00am: For those of you who spent the morning in the city we will be meeting up on the corner of Konig Strasse & Schiller Strasse opposite the Hauptbahnhof & outside the Information Bureau.

While not as well known as its eastern neighbour Munich for beer halls, today could be the perfect chance to travel to one of the many that exist in the area to sample the true essence of German culture.

This afternoon, we will visit some of the best that can be found in the Unterer Schlossgarten and Teehaus, both south of the city. The popular Amadeus beer hall is in the courtyard of the Institute of Foreign Affairs – with a crowd of Socceroo fans descending on the venue – Alexander Downer could have some Foreign Affairs issues to deal with during the afternoon.
It is said that beer drinking is an integral part of Germany’s lifestyle with the average citizen consuming over 170 litres of the amber fluid annually. People come to beer halls essentially to taste the local brew, and although food is often served, it is usually of very low quality.
Most Beer Halls are open between 10am and 10pm and your hotel will suggest the better ones within walking distance. The traditional beer halls are a true experience, but be careful. Even in touristy places, do not sit at the Stammtisch, a table reserved for regulars (there will be a brass plaque somewhere to tell you).

Make sure you are done by 4pm today because Iran is playing Angola in Leipzig, while Mexico takes on Portugal in Gelsenkirchen. Later this evening we head out to watch Holland play Argentina in Frankfurt at 9pm, while fellow Group C teams the Ivory Coast and Serbia take the field in Munich.

Overnight: Stuttgart

Thursday 22 June: Australia v Croatia
Tonight the Socceroos take on Croatia. With a sprinkling of Aussies who couldn’t get a game here, the Croatian team has a very familiar feel to them.

Furthermore, their game should be no mystery to us – the Socceroos boast a large contingent of patriotic Australians who turned their back on Croatian selection to play for the green and gold. These include Mark Viduka and Josip Skoko amongst others. Now it should be said that three other games are underway today as part of the group stage of the tournament, but from an Australian perspective, all eyes will be on Stuttgart.

9:00am: This morning we meet in our hotel lobby & make our way to the nearby parks for our final 5-a-side kick with Frank, Robbie & Alex. We aim to get back to the hotels by 12 midday for a shower & to don the Socceroo kit before heading out again.

1:00pm: We depart our hotel & make our way into town for our pre-match function at the Bier Garten im schlossgarten (Stuttgart Beer Garden) Am Schlossgarten 18, 70173 which we have booked out for this tour. We enjoy lunch & a tour debrief by the boys, a talk about the big day ahead & the all important awards for best/worst/most improved on tour.

At 4pm, the Czech Republic takes on Italy in Hamburg, while Ghana takes on the USA in Nuremburg at the same time for final Group E standings.
While the Socceroos battle with Croatia, fellow pool teams Brazil will be playing Japan in Dortmund at 9pm, the result of which could directly affect Australia’s progress to the round-of-16.

We stay at the Beer Garden until 7pm when we make our way to the ground via the S-Bahn. We then take our allotted seats at the 53,000 seat Gobler-Daimler stadium to watch the Socceroos take on Croatia in their third, and hopefully not final, match of the 2006 World Cup. Bring you singing voices, as we cheer the boys onto Victory.

9:00pm: Kick Off - Australia v Croatia
With both eyes on the game, we will also have one ear to the radio, listening to the Brazil/Japan game.

Based on the results, this could be a big night in Stuttgart as we head back to meet all Socceroo fans in the town square. Whether it be celebrating the Socceroos first appearance at the World Cup in 32 years or their progress to the next level of the tournament, tonight will be one to savour and to celebrate 13 great days of world football.

Overnight - Stuttgart

Friday 23 June - Tour Ends

Celebrations completed, today marks the end of the tour through the group stage.
Enjoy breakfast before those heading home pack up & meet their airport transfers to head back home. Those lucky enough to have tickets to the later rounds of the 2006 World Cup will continue their football odyssey through Germany.

9:45am: Meet in your hotel lobby for the coach transfer back to Frankfurt airport.

Kewell and Cahill missing

Well the FA Cup final was a sensational result for all Liverpool fans, including myself, however, it came at a price. Our very own Harry Kewell getting himself injured with that bloody groin again.

It is very frustrating for all us fans who know how important a role Harry plays in our quest for World Cup success. I will also be disappointed to not see him running around on the G next Thursday.

However, the news is not all bad when both he and Tim Cahill will be available for the game against Japan, with Kewell likely to play before that in our two other friendlies.

On the personal front, it is now 23 days until we head off, but who is counting? Also, we find out about which hotels we will be staying at, and further itinerary details from FFA Travel this Friday. That should be interesting.

Next Thursday there is a group of us heading to watch the boys at the MCG. I should be in fine form, having an Accounting AFL Football lunch on that afternoon with all the grog supplied. I will then probably head to a nearby pub for a few more before I head to the game, which needless to say, I will be in full singing voice. Cannot wait!

World Cup Squad Named

Well as if you would not have heard by now, but the squad for the World Cup was named yesterday morning, and football is again on the back page of the Herald-Sun. You have to love it!

Anyway, the squad is

Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough), Zeljko Kalac (AC Milan), Ante Covic (Hammarby)
Defenders: Michael Beauchamp (Central Coast), Craig Moore (Newcastle United), Lucas Neill (Blackburn Rovers), Tony Popovic Crystal Palace), Mark Milligan (Sydney FC)
Midfielders: Marco Bresciano (Parma), Tim Cahill (Everton), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers), Vince Grella (Parma), Stan Lazaridis (free agent), Josip Skoko (Stoke City on loan from Wigan Athletic), Mile Sterjovski (Basel), Luke Wilkshire (Bristol City)
Strikers: John Aloisi (Alaves), Harry Kewell (Liverpool), Archie Thompson (PSV Eindhoven), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough), Josh Kennedy (Dinamo Dresden)

With very few surprises in the squad, I think the most comforting thing is that the major contributors to the team are all playing regular first team football, all are in relatively good form and fitness (Tim Cahill excluded) and we have a better chance to progress than what I think we would have with previous squads had we actually qualified.

For me though, I think our success will hinge on the performance of Mark Viduka. He is the litmus for us. If he plays well, we will succeed, but if he has a shocker (I still cannot put the 2000 Olympics out of my head), then we will struggle.

29 days to go, and I am getting really excited. Picking up the airline tickets today which is very exciting.

On the Bernie front, he had to cop a $1,800 penalty to cancel the previous tour he was on to take up the FFA offer mentioned in a previous article. As I said to him, tickets to the Brazil game are going for as much, so really the decision is a no-brainer. I think he has moved on now and happy to have tickets.

Now we just have to wait and hope for cousin Frank. I am confident he will get inside.

Bernie Gets Tickets... But Is He Happy?

My mate, Bernie got the email most Aussie supporters would be dreaming about last night. The email was that he is successful in getting tickets for the World Cup.

When I received the news I was straight on the phone to him, however, I was not greeted by the jubilation that I would have been expecting. Instead, I was greeted with moaning about him having to cancel his other tour and the problems he has now to come up with the $6,000 for the trip.

Is he for real?!?!?!?! I personally know 100 or so people who would cut off their right arm to be in his situation (not to mention the 1,000's throughout Australia), and to be treated with the disdain he has shown is very disappointing. I can only hope that I have misread his thoughts on the issue and he is, in fact happy to be part of the Cup now.

I will keep my readers updated as to his progress on cancelling his AST Tour in favour of the Fanatics, and also his mood in relation to it all.

Smoggy Has a Sook

The English are already starting to have a sook and cry, and the World Cup is still some 40 days away.

The first bit of sobbing was heard today from my mate Smoggy, who sent an email in response to my blog on Wayne Rooney.

He said in his email that "Words you may regret one thinks. Just because a little scouse twat is out is mearly a hump in the road to progress to the next stage. Where australia will be lucky to score a goal!!!! Stick to the egg chasing!!!"

While these comments may not sound like the wimperings of a losing side to some, to me it is the beginning of the build up to what will be a miserable year for the Poms. Not only are they a big chance to go out of the Cup in straight sets, I am predicting more misery when it comes to their cricket side's tour of Australia this year for the Ashes.... however, I will save that for another Blog!

Wayne Rooney Gone

I tried hard to hide the smirk on my face today when I heard that Wayne Rooney is going to miss the entire World Cup with that foot injury.

Now I am not the one to take enjoyment at the misfortune of others, but given the pasting my English friends have given me since their Ashes win last year, the fact that we are now a realistic chance to progress further than them in a game they hold so dear is music to my ears.

We have all had a soft spot for the Poms in previous campaigns, however, this time it is different. We are in it, and are a realistic chance to progress to the second round. The English are now in disarray.

To be honest, I am sure they will regroup and should get through, but can you imagine the laughter we will be having at our British friend's expense if they do in fact get knocked out in the group stages.

It will be a classic, and will make regaining the Ashes this summer, all the sweeter!