For the first time in history, a Socceroos World Cup match is being played entirely during Australian working hours, sparking what fans are calling the 'Great Australian Socceroos Sickie.' The Friday noon AEST kick-off against Paraguay has led to predictions of mass absenteeism, with pubs, workplaces, and even schools expected to show the game.
Historic kick-off time draws comparisons to Bob Hawke's America's Cup speech
The match has revived memories of former prime minister Bob Hawke's famous 1983 declaration after Australia's America's Cup victory: 'Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum.' The quote has been widely shared on social media, with the Socceroos fan group Active Support using it to promote the event. Assistant coach Paul Okon has called on the prime minister to declare a public holiday, while defender Jason Geria suggested teachers could 'chuck it on the iPad' for students.
Pubs and live sites expect huge crowds
Melbourne's Imperial Hotel, which drew more than 600 fans for the Socceroos' first group game, is expecting even larger numbers on Friday. Manager Christopher McInnes said: 'We're expecting a really, really big crowd. I'll be very surprised if I don't see a few people in suits with their laptops out trying to pretend they're getting their work done for the afternoon.' The pub's location on Bourke and Spring streets makes it ideal for office workers to slip out early.
Workplaces adapt to prevent staff exodus
Some employers are proactively showing the match to keep staff engaged. Coles and Allianz are among those planning to screen the game, while CommBank executive Monique Macleod said: 'I'm sure our people will be following the match with great interest.' Adam Wallis, director of Artdeshine Pty Ltd, intends to show the game on an 85-inch TV in his Melbourne office, saying it brings people together.
Fans plan ahead with leave and early finishes
Many fans have booked time off months in advance. Landscape gardener Bazz Wilders has taken four weeks off for every World Cup since 2006, and will watch from home in Perth, where pubs open at 10am. 'The 12am and 1am kick-offs are a bit of a struggle,' he said. Others plan to take an 'early Friday knockoff,' with one Reddit user boasting: 'I'll be on the brekky beers I reckon.'
High stakes for Socceroos
A win or draw against Paraguay will send Australia through to the knockout stage for the second consecutive World Cup. Even a defeat may be enough, depending on other results. Patrick Clancy, chair of the Football Supporters Association Australia, called the noon kick-off an 'extremely unusual and historic moment.' He added: 'Everyone I've been talking to this week in all walks of life has said they're finding ways to watch the game.'
