Pubs to open early for Socceroos knockout clash

A rule change has allowed pubs to stay open to show Australia’s knockout World Cup clash this weekend, and some venues across the Geelong region have already taken up the offer.

Earlier today, the Victorian government announced it would give blanket approval to any licensed venue seeking to screen the game, which begins at 4am on Saturday.

The Socceroos are taking on Egypt for a place in the round of 16, and a victory would be the team’s first in a knockout stage at the tournament.

According to the Victorian government, venues showing the World Cup broadcast can stay open all night and the last service will be an hour after the match ends.

In a video posted on social media, The Beach Hotel in Jan Juc is inviting soccer fans to “start their Saturday night early… really early” at its event, which will serve both hot beverages and beers.

Hotel owner Jamie Collins said his pub had been waiting on Liquor Licensing Victoria approval to relax the usual opening hours and was delighted with today’s announcement.

He is hopeful of attracting a decent crowd despite the early kickoff time, based on previous interest in the Socceroos’ games.

“On our socials, [today’s announcement] has gone viral so it looks like we will, actually,” Collins said.

“We did the 12 o’clock one [against Paraguay] and you couldn’t move in the pub; we had 120 in the bar watching that.

“We think it’ll be worth opening for.”

Torquay Taphouse has been screening matches throughout the group stage of the World Cup and is continuing its support of the tournament this Saturday, with its watch party starting at 3.45am.

The menu will include breakfast burgers, hash browns, mimosas, beers and cocktails.

“Whether you’re starting the day with a coffee or celebrating with a beer, we’ve got you sorted,” Torquay Taphouse wrote on its social media.

“Bring your mates, wear your green and gold, and let’s get behind the Socceroos.”

Torquay Taphouse says bookings would be appreciated and walk-ins are welcome, but patrons should get there early to secure the best seats.

Klein’s Anglesea Hotel will open its doors at 3am and show the game in the bar.

In Geelong, The Sporting Globe in Ryrie Street announced earlier this week it would screen the game, with bookings running hot even before today’s announcement.

Australia has the weight of history against them in the knockout stage – both teams that defeated the Socceroos at that point (Italy in 2006 and Argentina in 2022) went on to win the World Cup.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the best thing about Victoria during the World Cup was watching the state’s bars, streets and public spaces come to life, but the Australia-Egypt game started at a time where most pubs and venues were not licensed to operate.

“I am announcing that my government will use its powers under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 to grant automatic approval for every pub and licensed venue in Victoria to operate for the game,” she said.

“That means doors open, big screen on – everyone welcome.”