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World Cup

Caltex Socceroos fans abroad: UK special

2 min read

Caltex Socceroos fan Matt Dorman doesn't have the luxury of seeing his national team live in Sydney on November 15 in their winner-takes-all World Cup qualifier second leg with Honduras.

Here, the English-based Queenslander explains why he's gutted he's missing the biggest game in four years, as he implores home fans to be there on the night.

"Supporting the Caltex Socceroos from abroad is naturally a difference experience to riding the rollercoaster on home soil.

News must be sought rather than delivered, Twitter takes an even greater role as lead commentator, and kick-off times in previously unheard-of venues are, well, better.

And, when you’re based in England, observing the ills of the Three Lions is even more enjoyable.

Of course, the universal frustrations of a fan’s life remain unchanged.

Sleepless nights spent worrying over Tim Cahill’s ankle are a universal experience.

So too, as qualifiers approach, is the desire for Aaron Mooy to be encased in a protective, human-sized cotton ball, because boasting about the midfielder’s easy transition to the Premier League is even less interesting to strangers if he’s injured.

Thankfully, live broadcasts of each Hyundai A-League match provide respite from the anticipation in between matches.

What doesn’t disappear is that longing to be part of the magic the national team has trademarked.

Cahill’s brace in the second leg win over Syria was just the latest in a long catalogue of memorable Caltex Socceroos moments, and yet another may come against Honduras.

Australia’s record in its own backyard breeds the kind of confidence that, each time the squad regroups, something exciting is in store.

It’s why I would prefer to be nowhere else over Stadium Australia next week on Wednesday night.

Watching the boys get the job done in front of a heaving home crowd will hopefully be just as fulfilling.

You cannot beat the live experience. To say you were there when they made history.

So don't forget how lucky you are if you have the chance to see history made in front of your own eyes next week as our marathon World Cup qualifying campaign reaches its climactic, and no doubt dramatic, finale."

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