‘Venue was fantastic’: Sydneysiders back new outdoor site for sport

They climbed onto the roof of the International Convention Centre and occupied every space as Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour filled to capacity with 25,000 Socceroos fans on Sunday morning.

When Craig Goodwin scored in the 78th minute to get Australia to 2-1 down against Argentina, the crowd rose to its feet and remained vocal to the bitter end.

Crowds at Darling Harbour on Sunday morning for the Socceroos match.Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

Disappointing? The Herald asked Premier Dominic Perrottet, who was among the crowd.

“I wouldn’t call it disappointing,” he said. “They did so well to hold their nerve, to get a finish like that and almost pull it off is pretty amazing and shows how far we have come. Argentina play one sport, we play many.”

NSW Sports Minister Alister Henskens said Australia’s goal was outstanding.

NSW Sports Minister Alister Henskens and Premier Dominic Perrottet in the Darling Harbour crowd.Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

“They had many chances towards the end. People were just excited to come out here and watch the game in what is an unparalleled atmosphere. This is now a great taste for us holding the women’s World Cup here next year.

“This is giving football in Australia and NSW great momentum going forward.”

Paul Joyce from Castle Hill admitted he hadn’t had a minute’s sleep. “I stayed up all night, caught the Metro in and enjoyed the game. We didn’t embarrass ourselves. We held our own. The venue was fantastic.

“I just saw Dominic Perrottet there, I am just a bit disappointed that he didn’t put this on beforehand for the earlier games.

“You can see how successful it was. There are so many supporters from different countries in Australia.”

Fans also crowded into live sites throughout other areas of Sydney as several local councils broadcast the match on big screens at Beaman Park in Earlwood, Enmore Park in the inner west and Macquarie Mall in Liverpool.