Socceroos fans are understandably downhearted but were well behaved at live sites as they watched the national team depart the World Cup.
Thousands of diehard supporters braved a crisp winter morning to pack live sites and pubs for Australia’s do-or-die clash with Egypt.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Aussie fans invade Wallmart in Dallas
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The game came down to a nail-biting penalty shootout with the Pharaohs prevailing 4-2 over a gallant national side after the scores were locked 1-1 in Dallas.
Dressed in a sea of green and gold, supporters set out hours before the 4am kick-off to secure a spot at live sites and pubs in cities including Melbourne and Sydney.
Police were out in force at Melbourne’s Federation Square, where about 7500 supporters braved the chilly wee hours.
Eleven flares and a smoke emitter were activated at the site during the game, police said.
They included six flares lit and thrown after the Socceroos scored their first goal.
One man was arrested for possessing a distress signal and discharging a missile, while three others were detained for possessing a flare and are expected to be charged on summons.
A teenager was also arrested for carrying a flare but was released.
About 6000 fans attended Melbourne’s AAMI Park, where two people were found by security with banned items at the entrance and issued penalty notices.
Two others were ordered from the venue after entering the pitch.
Despite the incidents, Victoria Police said they were generally pleased with the behaviour of crowds during the game.
Anyone found to be carrying a flare can expect to be charged on summons with possessing a distress signal without a reasonable excuse.
Preventing prohibited items from being brought into a live site is the responsibility of the venue.
Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour, Cathy Freeman Park at Homebush and Parramatta Square also hosted live sites in Sydney.
Screenings were also held at South Bank in Brisbane, Northbridge Piazza in Perth and The Drive in Adelaide.
Licensed venues in Victoria and NSW were given special permission to stay open to show the game, which kicked off at 4am.
Melbourne’s Hickens Hotel, a longstanding fan favourite for watching the game in the city centre, was among the venues that took advantage of relaxed licensing laws for the occasion.
The pub has capacity for more than 1000 patrons.
“We’ll be full,” bar manager Giuseppe Lacaua told AAP ahead of the match.
The venue, which boasts more than 60 screens, began preparing for the turnout months in advance.
Meanwhile in Dallas, vision of Australian fans taking over a Wallmart at Dallas Stadium has gone viral.
Aussie fans were first seen on the street, chanting, “We’re going to Wallmart”.
Hundreds then crammed then into the supermarket, draped in green gold, and started singing “all Aussie boys”.
“I don’t think this Walmart has any idea what’s about to hit it,” one person observed.
While social media account ‘ayceholdr’ — who shared the original vision — said: “Can confirm. They had no idea.”
“BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD,” said podcaster and former AFL player Dan Gorringe.
“Walmart never stood a chance.”
US journalist Texi Smith said: “For some reason, the Socceroos fans have just invaded a Wallmart at Dallas Stadium. Champions of Walmart, you’ll never sing that! Peak Aussie nonsense. Now waiting for the team bus. This is brilliant. And now some fella has brought a trolley full of beers and is handing them out.”
