Premier Daniel Andrews has hinted world cup fans could celebrate watching the Socceroos’ next game at the MCG after the team advanced to the group stages.
The 1-0 win against Denmark saw thousands of fans crammed into Federation Square on Thursday morning, where an outdoor screening of the match quickly descended into mayhem.
When the final seconds of the game ran out, fans roared in cheers and emotional scenes played out over a sea of green and gold.
The sound of flares exploding into the night could be heard right through the game play.
Once the game was called and it was clear the Socceroos had broken the 16-year-drought, the flares covered the sky with a red haze.
When asked if the next screening would be moved to the likes of the MCG, Mr Andrews remained tight lipped but said no plans were yet concrete.
“I think there are some discussions going on, not just about other venues but also making sure Fed Square is as safe and fit for purpose as possible,” he said.
The Premier went on to say the fans’ colourful display was proof Melbourne’s CBD had returned to its pre-pandemic glory.
“What a wonderful problem to have … it’s just really special,” Mr Andrews said.
“Have a look at the city today, and last night. And these last weeks, any more of this nonsense and that’s all it is, that this place is Sleepy Hollow, it’s nonsense.”
It comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been asked to consider a public holiday in honour of the Socceroos, after they broke a 16-year drought in the early hours of Thursday.
Raucous cheers emanated from pubs, clubs and lounge rooms across the country as Mathew Leckie scored the first and only goal of the game in the 60th minute, leading to the 1-0 defeat of Denmark.
Australia will now progress into the group stages – a feat not achieved since stars Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill took to the field in 2006.
It is also the first time the team has won two matches in any World Cup series.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said he would take up the prospect of a public holiday with the PM.
“Maybe we’ll wait until after we see what happens with Argentina – but it’s just a great thing to wake up to,” he told ABC Breakfast.
Mr Andrews said he would leave any decisions surrounding public holidays to his colleagues in Canberra.
“I don’t know about that, I’m not one for providing advice on those matters. We have a grand final public holiday and we think it works really well,” he said.