Football fans watched the sun set on the Socceroos under a Sydney pre-dawn sky on Monday.
Germany pummelled the home side four-nil in Australia's first-round 2010 World Cup match.
Tens of thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors packed Darling Harbour's forecourt, where large video screens brought the game live from South Africa.
The match kicked off at 4.30am (AEST), with people rugged up to brave the winter chill.
Germany scored two quick goals in the first half, but fans kept their hopes alive until Germany repeated the feat in the second half, taking the final score to four-nil.
A couple, Brendon Heape and Nausicaa Joannes, arrived at 11.30pm on Sunday.
"I can't feel my feet; I'm so cold," Ms Joannes said.
People streamed past them as Australia's hope of turning the match around dissipated.
"They are not true fans," Mr Heape said.
The couple said the match outcome and the bitter winter condition will not deter them from attending other late night matches scheduled for the Socceroos.
