Soccer fans told to rug up for do-or-die clash
MEGAN LEVY
June 23, 2010 - 3:55PM


Australia prepares to play its third World Cup match against a strong Serbian side, needing a small miracle to advance past the group stage.


Soccer fans heading down to Birrarung Marr to see Australia's do-or-die clash with Serbia tomorrow morning have been warned to bring along their Socceroos scarves to wrap up against the cold.

The temperature is expected to dip to a low of nine degrees in the city overnight, but a breeze from the north is expected to make conditions seem much chillier at the kick-off time of 4.30am.

Bureau forecaster Peter Blake said no rain was forecast for the match, with only a small amount of cloud cover predicted over the city.

"There might be a bit of breeze and it will feel colder than nine (degrees). I would recommend having a good coat," he said.

More than 10,000 fans braved the early morning elements for Australia's first clash with Germany, and thousands more are expected to turn out tomorrow as the Socceroos attempt to keep their World Cup campaign alive.

The live site will open at 2.30am and fans have been urged to travel to and from the venue on public transport.

NightRider buses will run to a Saturday timetable between 1.30am and 4.30am, with services every 30 minutes terminating at Swanston Street.

MetLink said fans could hail buses from any NightRider stop.

Metro spokesman Chris Whitefield said no extra trains would be running for the start of the match.

However, train services would be running to their normal weekday timetable by the conclusion of the game.
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