The Socceroos hope shifting their base to Canberra four days before their game will help generate fan support in the capital to boost their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Socceroos have announced they will host a fan day on Monday when the team arrives before their clash against Nepal at Canberra Stadium on Thursday night, with kick-off time shifted to 8pm.
It proves the FFA are trying to avoid mistakes of the past, having previously had the Socceroos fly into Canberra the day of a game and fly out the following morning.
The lacklustre build up led to just 10,000 fans watching a match against Malaysia almost a decade ago, but ticket sales have already passed that number and there is genuine hope for a bumper attendance.
Canberra fans are experiencing a bumper few months of sport following the Australian Opals playing at the AIS Arena and the Canberra Raiders charge to the NRL grand final.
Fans will be able to watch the Socceroos train on Monday before getting autographs and doing activities with the team's stars.
Capital Football boss Phil Brown said the early arrival would help create a connection between the Socceroos and Canberra fans.
"It helps those young, aspiring players to be able to connect on a personal level with their heroes in the game, while helping those players connect back with the community," Brown said.
"There's no doubt they'll try having spectators come out and support them by engaging with the community and their fanbase. It helps get those spectators out and behind them as they aspire for the World Cup."
The Nepalese active-supporter bay has already sold out and the looming start of the A-League season will help drum-up interest.
"It's just another example of how football is the world game and engages all communities," Brown said.
"To have Australian and Nepalese fans celebrating a World Cup qualifier together in Canberra is a great thing. It shows the reach of football."
Football Federation Australia official visited Canberra Stadium earlier this week to inspect the ground and approved its condition for the World Cup qualifier.
Graham Arnold is expected to announce his squad for the World Cup qualifier on Friday, but Tom Rogic has already been ruled out of a Canberra homecoming.
The 26-year-old midfielder has elected to miss the Socceroos' qualifiers with Nepal and Taiwan while he gets married.
The decision is also part of his gradual return from an off-season surgery on his knee and an ankle injury sustained in the Celtic's Scottish Cup victory in May.
Fellow Canberra junior George Timotheou was on Arnold's radar, but the 22-year-old will more likely get his Australian opportunity in the Olyroos squad.
"Fans of the Socceroos are fans of the Socceroos, no matter which players are picked or available," Brown said.
"I would expect people will be there in their green-and-gold, supporting the team."
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
October 10: Socceroos v Nepal at Canberra Stadium, 8pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
