WORLD CUP 2006: Trophy shines in Sydney sun

Australia said 'G'day' to football's greatest prize as the country's largest metropolis, Sydney, became the latest stop on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour on Friday.

Within a couple of hours of landing Down Under, the world's most sought-after sporting prize was on display at the International Passenger Terminal on Sydney harbour, within a stone's throw of the city's iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Sydney is a city very much gripped by football fever having been the venue for Australia's play-off victory over Uruguay that secured their long-awaited qualification for the FIFA World Cup. Just a fortnight ago, meanwhile, the local club Sydney FC were proclaimed football champions of the world's largest island nation, winning the inaugural Hyundai A-League in front a capacity crowd.

It was a bigger prize that was on the minds of Australian football fans at the International Passenger Terminal, however, as they queued for the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the sporting world's most recognisable Trophy.

A large media contingent was also in attendance to see the unveiling of the Trophy for the first time ever in Australia. The dignitaries attending the event included Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy, FFA chief executive John O'Neill, New South Wales premier Morris Iemma, Australia's most capped player Alex Tobin, Socceroos assistant coach Graham Arnold and FIFA representative Emmanuel Maradas.

FFA chairman Lowy thanked FIFA for including Australia on its Trophy Tour itinerary and made it clear that the Socceroos would not just be going to Germany to make up the numbers, even if winning the FIFA World Cup was a lot to expect. "This is a very important day for us in that we have been recognised by FIFA to show everyone the Trophy that we are going to fight for," he said.

Celebration of football
Only once before have Australia appeared on football's biggest stage, with Germany also the venue on that previous occasion in 1974. A 32-year wait is a long one for a nation that prides itself on sporting success and it seems the locals are making the most of their national team's breakthrough success.

With all things football having been splashed across the newspapers in Australia in recent months, organisers decided to limit viewing of the trophy to 3,000 in order to avoid lengthy queues and overcrowding.

The competition winners were treated to a carnival atmosphere with numerous activities available to the lucky entrants. Some chose to try their luck at recording the fastest kick in a special competition established by organisers Coca-Cola, others mingled with players from Hyundai A-League club Central Coast Mariners and representatives of the Australian women's national team, otherwise known as the Matildas.

There were video presentations featuring the Socceroos talking about their experiences on the road to Germany, while many visitors took up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to 'join the national team' by having their own photograph digitally inserted into a picture of the Australia team. Finally, they got to the event's centrepiece and the chance to rub shoulders with the newly renovated FIFA World Cup Trophy.

Many supporters had begun queuing some time before doors opened and the wait was worthwhile if the jovial atmosphere was any indication. Others had travelled long distances to see the Trophy on what was a typically perfect autumn day in Sydney.

"It is a long day out for me but being a football fanatic the trip was certainly worthwhile to see the ultimate prize in world sport," said Sam Abell who had made the five-hour round trip from Newcastle to attend.

And some fans such as Stuart Veitch had even greater ambitions for Australian interaction with the Trophy. "It is great to see Australians having the chance to get up close and personal with the World Cup," he said, "but it will be even better if (national captain) Mark Viduka is doing likewise come July in Berlin."