Jamberoo Pub on the NSW south coast is historic in its own right.
It’s been open since 1857 in the small town of just under a thousand. But for football fans it has extra significance.
Since 1985, the Jamberoo Pub has been in the Warren family, and is currently run by Jamie Warren, nephew of football pioneer Johnny Warren.
Jamie Warren, the nephew of football pioneer Johnny Warren. Source: SBS News
With that connection, it’s only fitting Socceroos fans flocked to the pub for Australia’s first match in Russia - against the might of France.
“People are remembering those pioneers, the '74 team, and it's wonderful to see so many people coming to support the Socceroos,” Mr Warren said.
Nervous anticipation and excitement was the order of the night as kick off approached, with plenty of fingers and toes crossed for a good result for Australia.
"Nervous anticipation, quietly confident we can get some kind of result,” one fan said.
“Head says France, heart says Australia 3-1,” said another.
With the game scoreless at halftime, it’s fair to say the Socceroos had exceeded many expectations.
“It’s good to come out nil-all, so that’s a win,” one fan said.
“It was better than expected.”
Source: SBS News
VAR controversy took the wind out of the sails for fans.
But it was heartbreak in the end for Australia as Paul Pogba won it by a matter of millimetres.
Buoyed by the Socceroos display, fans were hopeful that "we're going to get them next time, two more games, we're going through”, one fan said on his way out.
And after Australia’s performance, it’s well-founded optimism.
Source: SBS News
