⚽️ Kick-off time: 9pm local/2pm AEST/5am BST/12am EDT
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As Jack just mentioned, today’s fixture is at Vancouver Stadium, AKA BC Place. It is the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS and hosted the 2015 Women’s World Cup final. It has a capacity of just over 50,000.
Australians are everywhere in downtown Vancouver, as the tune of Waltzing Matilda bounces between the skycrapers. With two hours until kick-off against Turkey, Socceroos fans are making their way into BC Place, including one large group marching through the city.
Australia is in the top 10 nations overall in terms of ticket purchases by country of residency. The others are USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Germany, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and France – all footballing powers or hosts, underscoring the commitment of Australia’s fans to this tournament.
Many also appear to be committed drinkers, given the spirits already evident among Socceroos fans on this steamy afternoon. Three hours before kick-off, police outside the stadium told The Guardian there had not been any incidents.
The Socceroos have walked off their team bus decked out in dark suits and ties and white shirts, with Tony Popovic adopting an all-black ensemble. Inside BC Place, the air is muggy under the translucent roof at the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS, a team with an uncertain future.
