Organisers of the Turkish community gathering at Nasiol Stadium in Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s north say that over 4000 people are here, sprawled across the stands and grass in front of the big screen.
Reactions to a near goal from Turkey. Photograph by Chris Hopkins
So far there have been many instances of excited roars and people rising from camp chairs, ready to cheer as Turkey players have brought the ball forward, only to be thwarted by missed goals or by Australian players gaining possession in defence.
There was a muted response among the Turkish Australian crowd when Australian star Nestory Irankunda goaled, meaning Australia was leading 1 to 0 at half-time.
But Haydin Bekir, vice president of Hume FC, the club hosting this event at their home ground, said, “it’s not disappointing yet, the game is still not over.”
An estimated 4,000 people have attended the Turkey fan site in Melbourne’s north. Photograph by Chris Hopkins