Oi, we'll cheer on the world

Aaron Langmaid From: Herald Sun June 11, 2010

Wiebke Kleine (left), Ricki Sian, Katerina Deliyiannis and Dusan Jovic fly their World Cup colours. Picture: Ben Swinnerton Source: Herald Sun
AUSSIE pride isn't always a brilliant spray of green and gold. For the next month of the World Cup, some Victorians will throw their support behind the nation closest to their heart.

A horde of passionate expatriates will come together in family homes, club rooms and fan sites to watch the first matches kick off this weekend in South Africa.

Ghana meets Serbia on Sunday followed by the Socceroos' clash with Germany on Monday.

Wiebke Kleine, a language course co-ordinator at the Goethe-Institut, said she'd be watching with pride as Germany tackled Australia.

"What makes me proud is that it's a small country with so much cultural diversity, from north to south, to the east and west," she said.

Serbia supporter Dusan Jovic said seeing his homeland's colours on display would be emotional for many. "This is the first time Serbia will be playing with our colours, as Serbia."

Ricki Sian, who moved to Melbourne from Ghana six years ago, said watching his national team play would unite the local Ghanian community. "Because of our history of peace and harmony, we get emotional," he said.

"We play soccer here every Sunday so it will be very special to see each other and come together."

But for Katerina Deliyiannis, 21, it was all about the Socceroos. "It's going to be great if the Socceroos do well, but we will be proud of the team's efforts no matter what.

"I'll be cheering."


http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/oi-well-cheer-on-the-world/story-e6frf9if-1225878171214