Key Points
- Melbourne-based football fan Oli Kerbler has travelled to most men's World Cups since 1990.
- He is excited to welcome fellow German national team fans to Australia for the Women's World Cup.
- Kerbler says attending World Cups and supporting your country is a 'special feeling'.
Usually by this stage Kerbler would have already boarded a flight and set off on a new adventure.
Instead, on Sunday morning, he made the trip to Melbourne airport to welcome hundreds of fans who touched down to support the German national team at their matches in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
The German fan club at Singapore airport before boarding the flight to Melbourne. Credit: Fan Club Nationalmannschaft
However, he is also pleased to witness the remarkable growth of the women's game in recent years.
"The stadiums are packed to the brim here in Australia. It's fantastic to see kids running around proudly wearing Matildas jerseys and looking up to players like Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter as their role models. I hope the Matildas will go far in the tournament," he told SBS German.
The World Cup taking place in Australia is the most significant and biggest sporting event since the Olympics in 2000.Oli Kerbler
Beyond the game of football itself, Kerbler finds joy in exploring and experiencing different cultures on his travels.
"World Cups bring together diverse cultures, celebrating the beautiful game. I love immersing myself in the essence of different countries and understanding their unique ways of life by engaging with the locals,” he explained.
Oli Kerbler with Costa Rican fans at the World Cup in Qatar 2022. Credit: SBS / Daniel Georgakos
The World Cup is a fascination every fan should experience. It's great to have such a big event on your doorstep.Oli Kerbler
"Supporting your colours, culture, and nation is a special feeling. Attending World Cups exposes you to unforgettable adventures and allows you to forge bonds with people from all around the world," he added.
Oli Kerbler and fans of the Japanese national team. Credit: Oli Kerbler
Connecting German football fans in Australia
For months, Kerbler has assisted the German fan club in organising activities across Australia. He is looking forward to connecting the travelling German fans with the broader German-speaking community in Australia.
"We will show the travellers places and hidden gems that typical tourists often overlook."
Shortly after their arrival on the weekend, the fans were visiting the Melbourne Skydeck and experiencing an AFL game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“We wanted them to experience the sports Aussies adore," Kerbler said with a smile.
Oli Kerbler took 40 fans to an AFL game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. Credit: Daniel Georgakos
Afterwards, they will travel to Sydney for a friendly match against the 'Aussie Supporteroos', an informal community of football-playing fans dedicated to the Australian national teams, the Matildas and Socceroos.
Rico Jacob, a German fan representative, has planned most of the activities outside the stadiums. Like many others who have arrived from Germany, it’s his first time Down Under.
“The German national team has never played a match on Australian soil before. We are looking forward to the atmosphere and, of course, embracing the rich Australian culture."
We are calculating for more than 1,000 fans, who have travelled from Germany to Australia to support the team.Rico Jabob, German fan representative
The German fan club arrived in Australia Credit: SBS / Daniel Georgakos
Following a passion
Kerbler said he often makes spontaneous decisions to fly to football events just a few days beforehand. His partner, Lisa Stacey, wholeheartedly supports Kerbler's lifestyle, encouraging him to pursue his passion for sports.
“Whenever the opportunity arises to attend such events and you get hold of tickets, you should seize it with both hands. In life, we should embrace as many adventures as possible,” she said.
I’m delighted to see him follow his passion.Lisa Stacey
Oli Kerbler and his partner Lisa Stacey at Melbourne airport. Credit: SBS / Daniel Georgakos
Stacey has become an enthusiastic fan of live football herself, although she prefers to explore the surrounding events independently.
"There are times when he mentions rumours about the team bus passing through a particular street at a specific time, and he’s eager to stand at that corner and wave to the bus. We don’t have to do everything together, and that’s perfectly okay," she said.
Both are thrilled to experience the World Cup from their home base in Australia, recognising that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
