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EXCLUSIVE: As the last hardcore Socceroo supporters return from Uzbekistan – and with reports of slow ticket sales for the upcoming Qatar qualifier – the message is clear from the Socceroo faithful.
"We have to fill the stadium," Pablo Bateson told au.fourfourtwo.com. "The boys need our support on home soil."
Bateson returned to Australia on Monday after a successful trip to Tashkent. And he is already planning the next away trip for the qualifier against Bahrain on November 20.
Meantime, the Qatar qualifier on October 15 at Brisbane's Suncorp stadium looms as vital – particularly as the Qataris have re-energised their campaign and sit atop the group with a win and a draw (Uzbekistan 3-0, Bahrain 1-1).
However, there have been reports of slow ticket sales with upwards of 20,000 tickets still unsold. Some have suggested ticket prices are to blame.
Prices range from a concession cost of $27 to a $206 family pass, with the dearest individual ticket being the $122 category A class.
But FFA CEO Ben Buckley has said the importance of the game takes precedence. "We can't underestimate the importance of this match. Every game we play in this qualification phase is almost like a grand final.
"We believe there is a very significant fan base out there. We believe there are prices that will be accessible for all families in Queensland."
The FFA has just signed a deal to play five games in five years in Queensland. The attendance for this qualifier will go some of the way to determining whether Brisbane or Gold Coast or North Queensland get the lion's share of the remaining games.
Nicole Smeelie, another hard-core Socceroo fan who has named her son Lucas-Neill, says it's important that Queensland shows support for the national team.
"And if Timmy [Cahill] plays it'll be huge. The boys deserve a full house," the Queensland-based fan told au.fourfourtwo.com.
Bateson was one of around 50 travelling Socceroo fans in Tashkent, an experience he says was eye-opening.
"Uzbekistan is the best away trip for a Socceroo game anywhere in the world," he said. "I can say that unreservedly. The planning for it was very complex but the rewards were immense.
"Once we got there, we were treated so well – the hospitality and warmth blew us away. Tashkent is such a wonderful place. And the FFA were great when we were there, in particular Gary Moretti the Qantas Socceroo team manager."
For the Socceroos' next away trip in Bahrain, the green and gold will be out in force. "We're trying to coordinate things from here and we'll have guys over there," added Pablo. "So log onto www.ggarmy.com for more info.
"With the ex-pat Aussies in nearby Qatar and Dubai and those in Bahrain, we expect up to 1000 Socceroo fans to be in Bahrain for the game."
Bateson returned to Australia on Monday after a successful trip to Tashkent. And he is already planning the next away trip for the qualifier against Bahrain on November 20.
Meantime, the Qatar qualifier on October 15 at Brisbane's Suncorp stadium looms as vital – particularly as the Qataris have re-energised their campaign and sit atop the group with a win and a draw (Uzbekistan 3-0, Bahrain 1-1).
However, there have been reports of slow ticket sales with upwards of 20,000 tickets still unsold. Some have suggested ticket prices are to blame.
Prices range from a concession cost of $27 to a $206 family pass, with the dearest individual ticket being the $122 category A class.
But FFA CEO Ben Buckley has said the importance of the game takes precedence. "We can't underestimate the importance of this match. Every game we play in this qualification phase is almost like a grand final.
"We believe there is a very significant fan base out there. We believe there are prices that will be accessible for all families in Queensland."
The FFA has just signed a deal to play five games in five years in Queensland. The attendance for this qualifier will go some of the way to determining whether Brisbane or Gold Coast or North Queensland get the lion's share of the remaining games.
Nicole Smeelie, another hard-core Socceroo fan who has named her son Lucas-Neill, says it's important that Queensland shows support for the national team.
"And if Timmy [Cahill] plays it'll be huge. The boys deserve a full house," the Queensland-based fan told au.fourfourtwo.com.
Bateson was one of around 50 travelling Socceroo fans in Tashkent, an experience he says was eye-opening.
"Uzbekistan is the best away trip for a Socceroo game anywhere in the world," he said. "I can say that unreservedly. The planning for it was very complex but the rewards were immense.
"Once we got there, we were treated so well – the hospitality and warmth blew us away. Tashkent is such a wonderful place. And the FFA were great when we were there, in particular Gary Moretti the Qantas Socceroo team manager."
For the Socceroos' next away trip in Bahrain, the green and gold will be out in force. "We're trying to coordinate things from here and we'll have guys over there," added Pablo. "So log onto www.ggarmy.com for more info.
"With the ex-pat Aussies in nearby Qatar and Dubai and those in Bahrain, we expect up to 1000 Socceroo fans to be in Bahrain for the game."
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