An Australian man has become an instant World Cup hero after his iconic reaction to seeing himself on the big screen in Qatar.
The man’s response couldn’t have been more Australian after he noticed cameras zoomed in on his face during the Australia-France match on Wednesday.
While the only sound heard was the roaring on the crowd, there was no question about what was said.
“Jesus, we’re on the f***ing tele,” his lips read.
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The iconic moment has gone viral online, where hundreds have celebrated his “gold” reaction.
“You can hear his accent without even hearing his accent,” a popular comment read.
“Can take the man out of Australia, but can’t take the Australian out of the man,” another said.
“Most Aussie football fan ever,” a third said.
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Many joked the man’s expression could easily be mistaken for someone who hadn’t been honest about where he was going.
“That’s the look of someone who told their partner that they were away on business,” someone suggested.
“Or told their boss they were off sick with Covid,” another added.
Someone who said they knew the man said he had been sent a link to the post containing his iconic moment.
“His boss will know where he is. The only reason he works is so he can save up to go to sporting events interstate and overseas,” they wrote.
“I met this bloke in the pub prior to the match – he literally just came off the flight that evening! Kudos to him,” someone else said.
France landed a 4-1 knockout blow in the Socceroos’ tournament opener Wednesday morning.
The reigning world champions were razor sharp and tore the Australian defence apart with the final four goals of the match.
Socceroos legend Harry Kewell said it ended up being an “easy” win for France as Australia’s tactics failed to put pressure on their opposition.
“I just think if we had got them on the back foot, got the back line of France turning, we could have just caused them a little bit more trouble,” he said on SBS.
“And it has turned out to be such an easy game for France.”
Australia’s next match on Saturday night against Tunisia at Al Janoub Stadium suddenly looms as a must-win.
