In a rugby dominated state there are few times of the year it is alright to admit your love of the round balled football- this morning is one of them.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Some locals will be particularly tired and caffeine consumptions will be at a high when Brazil kicks off against Croatia to mark the beginning of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Captain, coach and secretary of Macquarie United Football Club and all round soccer-nut, Alan Auld, is one of those particularly excited for the Cup.
Mr Auld said he would love to be there in person, but wasn't lucky enough to get a trip to Brazil, so he'll have to settle for a seat on his couch.
"Football means everything to them over there- I think the atmosphere would be amazing," he said.
He has even changed his day off from Monday to Friday to ensure he's home to watch the first match.
Mr Auld said his money would be on Brazil, as the host nation, for Cup favourites, but anyone from the South American continent should do well.
"A South American country should win, as they are used to the local climate and conditions," Mr Auld said.
Australia play Chile at 8am on Saturday morning- Chile are supposed to be Australia's best chance at a win through a competitive draw, but Mr Auld thinks a win might be a bit ambitious.
"I don't think our chances (at the Cup) are any good, but I'm always optimistic," he said.
"I think Chile should be one of the best teams because they are used to the conditions."
Australia is a touch under par in comparison to other teams, says Mr Auld.
"We're ranked 65th in the world, but we're probably 20 years behind all the other teams," he said.
"Australia is a multi-cultural country, we play all different sports; but in countries like Brazil soccer is their main sport."
