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Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Australia News On The Silk Road With The 'Roos

IT'S A balmy evening in downtown Tashkent, and most of the Australian fan contingent are either off for a night on the town or settling into dinner at some of very many enticing restaurants in this wonderful city of three million people.

Although tomorrow's World Cup qualifier versus Uzbekistan is the main aim of this expedition to the land of the "Silk Road", there has already much more for the intrepid band of Socceroos fans to savour and experience in Tashkent.

Exploring and discovering the rich history, museums, architecture, cultural expression, arts, theatre, bazzars and cuisine has already yielded some insights into the complexity of a city and people that is slowly re-emerging out of the shadow of the former Soviet Union.

Earlier today another of the many potentially challenging logistical challenges was ticked off by collecting the match day tickets (at 20 US dollars each in Section 22) from Uzbekistan Football Federation.

What a huge contrast to the drama, fustration and angst of that ticketing debacle in Dubai versus Iraq.

Despite the very onerous and difficult path to gain visa access and other heavily bureacratised processes affecting everyday life, the Uzbeks are already proving to be warm, friendly and generous hosts.

We are being made to feel welcome in a country that knows very little about Australia, and of course vice versa!

What also comes across so strongly is how much interest there is right across the community in Tashkent for this World Cup qualifying match and the fascination in our somewhat conspicuous presence as football fans in a land that is well away from most well worn tourist routes and destinations.

That Uzbekistan is a football loving country despite having yet qualified for a World Cup, was epitomised by observing the skills demonstrated by one young school kid in the square right outside one of Central Asia's most famous mosques.

At a welcome reception on Monday evening, Socceroos fans form the largest travelling group brought together by the Green & Gold Army were able to share ideas and experiences with and get important briefings from Margaret Twomey (Ambassador, Australian Embassy in Moscow) and her staff, and Ben Buckley CEO and John Boultbee Head National Teams & Development from Football Federation Australia.

This exchange and support was much appreciated by the fans who have for so long put their passion into practice by ensuring the 12th man is there in signicant numbers wherever the Socceroos are called on to play.

As an interesting spin off, the Australian Ambassador attended a ceremony today in which our diplomatic credentials were formally accepted by the Uzbekistan Government.

Such strengthening of diplomatic ties are unprecedented between our two countries, and football has been a big catalyst in this happening. Once again football proves to be a passport to the world in terms of bridging links between very different cultures.

At today's press conference, coach Pim Verbeek projected the image of a focussed professional quietly confident in his team's ability to once again get the job done in a big away game.

While emphasising his respect for the Uzbek opponents, it was not just "safety first" as reported by one SBS journalist, but that "we will aim to win".

Most of the travelling fans await the game with nervous anticipation, and yet a confidence that we get a good result to get our campaign started in the right way.

The Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileyev spoke of Joshua Kennedy being the biggest danger to his team, and also of the special respect for keeper Mark Schwarzer and Harry Kewell.

One thing is certain, by kick off time at 8.30pm on Wednesday (1.30am AET), the contingent of Socceroos fans likely to number over 100 will be once again in full voice and heart.

The rest of the 35,000 crowd will be fervently behind their beloved Uzbekistan team - yet, as in other far away places before, the psychological lift of our presence might just add that little bit of difference when the pressure is really on.

We are reliably told there will be 3,000 police on duty for the game. Let's hope that whatever the result, it is based upon a good reflection of the play and can be accepted by all.

As travelling ambassadors, we will as always be gracious and conduct ourselves with humour, passion and respect. After all that's the Aussie way for the Green & Gold Army and other fans who join together to unconditionally support the Socceroos on the road to South Africa 2010 and yet another date with destiny!

Pablo Bateson is in Uzbekistan as part of the Green And Gold Army travelling support

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