Australian fans plan to ditch work for midday World Cup clash

The upcoming World Cup match between Australia and Paraguay has sparked a nationwide fervor, with fans devising creative strategies to catch the 12 PM AEST kickoff on a workday. The unusual timing has led many to book annual leave, plan elaborate long lunches, or even resort to the time-honored tradition of 'chucking a sickie' to ensure they don't miss the Socceroos' crucial group stage finale.

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time to break out the great Australian tradition of chucking a sickie

Online forums and social media are abuzz with fans sharing their plans, from sneaking live streams on laptops and phones under their desks to coordinating "focus time" that conveniently aligns with the game. The sentiment of "easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" seems to be a common theme as supporters prioritize the match over their professional duties.

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Easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission

Beyond individual efforts, many offices are embracing the sporting spirit by hosting their own watch parties, complete with catering. In Brisbane, one photo lab owner, Doug Raisin, is closing his business for the afternoon, emphasizing that it would be "un-Australian not to" support the team. His family, all involved in soccer, is setting up a TV in their lunchroom to watch together.

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Normally, we're up at 2 or 4 in the morning watching the games

Similarly, in Melbourne, Greg Ziegler of Fawkner Soccer Club anticipates widespread "two-hour lunches" as the city tunes in. He reflects on the deep cultural significance of sport in Australia, stating, "Sport's a bit of a religion in Australia, isn't it?" Even players, like defender Jason Geria in a TikTok video, have urged employers to allow staff to watch the game, highlighting the national importance placed on the Socceroos' performance.

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I feel like this is the first time we've actually had a game or a World Cup where the games are played in our daylight or normal kind of waking hours.