With South Africa in the grip of World Cup anticipation, back home fans prepare for some early mornings supporting the Socceroos and some of their fiercest rivals in Group D.
Considered to be one of the World Cup's toughest groups, Germany, Australia, Serbia and Ghana are all aiming to be among the top two teams to advance from the group.
Australian supporters will be out in force when the Socceroos kick off their World Cup campaign against Germany early Monday morning.
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Elsewhere across Sydney, a small army of fans are preparing to throw their support behind the group's other contenders.
German fans can cheer on the 'Mannschaft' from the Concordia Club in Tempe, where they will be keeping with traditions off field with German food and gluehwein, and hoping the players can do the same in South Africa adding to their stellar World Cup history.
“We will certainly be prepared for everyone who comes. We will have a breakfast on offer; we will have some gluehwein which is very traditional.” Manfred Koch told SBS reporter Adriana Gajin.
Whilst the Ghanaian team was rocked by the injury of star player Micheal Essien fans still feel the “Black Stars” can surprise.
“Hopefully Ghana and Australia can surprise a few countries out there and get out of the group.” said. Ghana supporter Eric Nyamek told SBS
Nyamek feels that the support for Ghana is high on passion for the game and their home continent.
“We watch it as if we were standing on the field playing with the boys because we love the game and we support it with our hearts. It's going to be exciting. Not just for Ghana but the whole continent of Africa. “Nyamek said
For Serbian supporters, social media has made organising a whole lot easier this World Cup, with fans forming a Facebook group to watch the matches together.
“Last World Cup we didn't get the chance for everybody to get together to watch the games, so for all the fans of Serbia or any of the guys who want to watch the World Cup, I thought it was a good idea to create a group for everyone to come together.” Serbian fan Milan Kovacevic told SBS
White Eagles fans are planning to make an island of red, blue and white amongst a sea of green and gold at Darling Harbour's FIFA fan centre, but still hope both teams can go the distance.
“Hopefully they both make it out of the group stage and it's a Serbia, Australia final.”
A sentiment supported by Eric Nyamek, with just a slight change to the final result.
“Hopefully Ghana and Australia can surprise a few countries out there and get out of the group.” he said.
Only two teams will go through to the round of 16, with many tipping Germany to top the group. It appears the three way fight for the second spot, will be as hotly contested at home as it will be in South Africa.
