Work Text:
Song Pairing
Down Under by Men at Work
⚽⚽⚽
Nick had never experienced euphoria like this in his life. He wasn't even inside the Dallas Stadium and the Australian pre-game atmosphere and energy was incredible. It was a walking, dancing, singing, chanting, street party, a mass of exuberant fanatic Socceroos supporters marching towards the football stadium. Like mesmerised rats following the pied piper, the green and gold army chased the flumes of green smoke from flares being waved in the air as they wound their way through the streets of downtown Arlington.
As far as he could see, all the way up and down the street, there were Australian flags, yellow scarves, banners and inflatable kangaroos. Everyone in the crowd was wearing the distinctive green and yellow, and some wore Australian flags as capes like superheroes. There were a variety of Aussie caps, beanies, curly yellow wigs, Crocodile Dundee hats, sunglasses and lots of facepaint. There were blokes crowd surfing on makeshift boards that looked like table tops, and whoops and cheers rang out when some guys drank cold beer from a shoe.
Waves of collective chants of Aussie Aussie Aussie - Oi! Oi! Oi!, renditions of Waltzing Matilda and rounds of Oh Aussie Boys rang out with screams and shouts getting louder and louder with every round.
Sha la la la-la la laaa - Oh Aussie Boys!
Sha la la la-la la LAAAA - Oh Aussie Boys!
SHA LA LA LA-LA LA LAAAAA - Oh Aussie Boys!
Nick couldn't stop smiling at the mass happiness and patriotism. This was a once in a lifetime experience and now he knew what it must have felt like for his mum when she was experiencing the excitement and joy of being in the crowd during the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Apparently he was there, in a baby carrier, absorbing the Aussie pride well before he could walk.
Nick beamed as he walked side by side with his closest friends, who had made the trip from down under to meet up with him. They had grown up together and became best mates playing Little Kickers and Soccer Joeys before joining a club and playing Saturday morning soccer like thousands of Aussie kids; progressing to bigger goals and fields every year and eventually proper coaches and graded leagues.
Otis, affectionately known as Oatsie, was an amazing striker and well known for his headers. Christian, or Macca, was an exceptional midfielder and occasional forward with impressive speed and agile footwork. Sai, or Sai-zy worked well with Nick on the back line as defenders. They had grown up together on and off the field, played a good game on the university team, and now they were about to watch their sixth Australian World Cup game. The Socceroos had never made it this far in any World Cup and today they would play their international sporting rivals, England. The two nations were considered fierce rivals in many sports on the world stage, especially cricket and rugby union. Otis had marked the occasion of the World Cup by bleaching the top of his black curly hair, to a bright yellow tinge which was perfect for supporting the Socceroos.
🏟️🏟️🏟️
They arrived at the Dallas Stadium and followed the streams of supporters through the gates, up the ramps and the stairs to their seats. Nick could feel the pulsing energy and the atmosphere humming even before he stepped out into the stands. He was already buzzing from the cheeky before-game breakfast beers they had been chugging. He hoped the Dallas bars had stocked up as they were planning on celebrating big time after the game, regardless of the result.
Nick paused for a moment at the top of the stairs to take in the 70,000 seat-capacity stadium. They weren't quite as far up, with the gods, this time; they had a respectable view from the middle tier. The atmosphere was already electric with different songs, chants and cheers erupting and then rippling over the stadium. If it was this loud now, when nothing was happening, he couldn't begin to imagine what it would be like when play was underway, or when a goal was scored. The enclosed stadium captured the roar of the crowd and provided shade from the heat of the Texas sun.
The immaculate green turf with the contrast of the crisp white lines looked perfect. The pitch was surrounded by perimeter boards advertising flashes of colourful brands like Verizon and Visa. The red stadium seats were starting to fill up and there were already big banks of green and gold contrasted next to blocks of red and white. There were occasional smatterings of the rival colours standing out like dots on a map, but it was a fairly even distribution. Among the banks of team colours were splashes of rainbow flags to celebrate pride.
As they walked around the top of the stadium to find their seats, the sound system played the telltale notes of drums and flute for the Land Down Under by Men at Work and the Aussie fans around them stood to attention and started singing. The boys joined in the chorus with gusto.
Do you come from a land down under?
Where women glow and men plunder?
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover…
“Jeez, Nick, couldn't you have gotten seats a bit closer to the front?” complained Christian.
Otis slapped him on the back and said, “You organise it next time dickhead, Nick has done well.”
“At least we are not in the full nosebleed section this time, and it's all we could afford,” Sai said.
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six-foot-four and full of muscle
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich…
“Man, this song is epic!” Nick beamed as they all joined in.
“I’m gonna lose my voice, and we haven’t even kicked off yet!” Otis squawked.
And he said
"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover, yeah"
They made their way along the top of the walkway searching for the right stairwell.
“Wow, we’re still really high up!” Christian mused, looking around and peering down over the rails. “I get vertigo, I hope I don’t spew from dizziness.”
“Shouldn’t have done that shoey, mate,” Sai said with a grin. “At least we’re under cover this time, because you’re still peeling from that sunburn in San Fran.”
Christian replied, rubbing his neck,“It’s a cracking view, and it’s going to be an amazing game, and at least we’re mostly surrounded by the green and gold fanatics instead of The Barmy Army.”
“That’s cricket, you idiot,” Otis shot back.
“Yeah, but you knew what I meant.” He shrugged. “We could just call them the Smarmy Army then?”
“One hundred percent! No huge crowds of those rowdy English soccer lads near us,” Nick commented. ”Not that we’re exactly quiet ourselves.”
Sai beamed, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.”
“Yeah, this is such a good time,” Nick agreed.
“Nah, its a fucking awesome time!” Otis quipped
“The best!” sighed Christian.
“Alright, this is us, boys,” he said, checking the numbers on his phone. “Row S, seats 22 to 26. Looks like we're smack bang in the middle, with a ripper view.”
Otis patted Nick’s shoulders. “Nice one Nick, let’s find our spot and then I will do a beer run.”
Nick walked through the currently empty row but then stopped in his tracks, staring at a tall man wearing a pride flag wrapped around his shoulders. He was actually blocking the path, so Nick remained stopped. Christian wasn’t looking and crashed into him, causing Nick to lose his balance and lose eye contact with the beautiful man.
“Sorry mate, which one’s mine?” asked Christian.
“Um, just here.” Nick replied distantly, staring at the man in front of him.
The sounds of the stadium and the roar of the crowd seemed to pause briefly and time stood still as Nick focused on a head of glossy black curls. This tall and gorgeous man looked like he was standing beneath a column of light, as if he was sent from the sky like an angel. He turned and smiled at Nick, who was instantly starstruck by his dazzling smile and little dimples pressed into his perfectly tanned skin. Nick paused again to look at his phone and quickly re-checked the seat number on his ticket.
Number 26. The curly haired pride angel is standing in front of seat number 27. Oh, right, this was actually his seat. Oh no! He is too gorgeous and hot and sexy to be right next to me. Okay…okay, don’t panic! Oh god, look at his long tan legs in those little tight white shorts. And those cute white Converse.Yep, this is full bi panic actually! Oh fuck, is that a white England shirt under that beautiful rainbow flag? Oh this is going to be awkward…
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
The man smiled and waved.
“Are you sitting in the wrong section?” Nick asked as he looked along the rows that were full of the green and gold fans. The pride angel was with another guy wearing an old school England jersey with long white sleeves that looked like a relic from the 1980s. He was actually sitting in seat number 28 with his head in a book. They stood out like sore thumbs.
“Um, sort of, these were the only seats we could get last minute.” He explained.
“AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE!”
“Hang on a sec,” Nick turned and joined his mates and the crowd with a resounding:
“Oi Oi Oi!”
He focused again and instantly apologised to the man who was grinning at his antics.
“Sorry, we get like that.”
“So I noticed! This is going to be quite the experience sitting here today.”
“Indeed! Good luck mate!”
Oh he is very cute.
“I'm Nick, by the way.”
“Hi Nick, I’m Charlie.”
“And this is Otis, Sai and Christian,” Nick said, gesturing towards the boys. “We all played on the same soccer team back home.”
The boys responded with another round of chants.
“AUSSIE!”
“Oi”
“AUSSIE!”
“Oi”
“AUSSIE! AUSSIE! AUSSIE!”
“Oi! Oi! Oi!”
As they all cheered, Nick had a moment to take stock of his current appearance and silently groaned. He didn’t normally dress like this! On one of his cheekbones was an Australian flag temporary tattoo and on the other a green and yellow boxing kangaroo flag. The boys had sprayed his floppy blonde hair with a green stripe but he had escaped the face paint this time. He looked down at his shiny green short shorts covered in boxing kangaroos and he was chuffed to be wearing his new yellow Socceroos T-Shirt. At least his biceps stood out nicely in the sleeves, even if the shirt was skin tight, as his constant partying and travelling meant he wasn’t looking as fit as he used to be.
What was the gorgeous English Charlie going to think of his ultra Aussie look? Of all days to meet someone! Australians often went all out and banded together with incredible prowess to work on their game day outfits and today's effort was no exception. Sai was in his favourite yellow T-shirt with the words AUSSIE in the shape of the red Vegemite logo, coupled with a yellow bucket hat and novelty glasses. Christian wore a bright yellow official team jersey, an Akubra hat with dangling wine corks and an Australian flag as a cape. Otis was wearing a fluro green and yellow-striped jersey and draped in a green and gold Australia scarf. Nick grouped the boys together and started taking selfies with his phone. While they were posing, Charlie offered to take a photo for them with the stadium and pitch in the background.
“Would you like me to take a photo of you… and your friends?” he interrupted gently.
“Erm, sure!” Nick stammered nervously, shocked that the English fan was willing to engage with the opposition. “Thanks, Charlie.”
Nick passed over his phone and as their fingers brushed together, he felt a little heat and an electric spark; he stopped and stared before stepping back to lean in and grin with his mates.
Charlie scooched them together, lined them up and checked they were ready before saying, “Give me a full cheese!”
“CHEERS!” they all shouted in unison with beaming smiles and finger rock horns.
Charlie passed the phone back to Nick and their fingers lingered again during the exchange.
“So, can I return the favour? Can I take a photo of you?” Nick’s face flushed as he realised what he had said. “I mean, sorry, did you want a photo? Of you?” Nick stammered all flustered. “Like, I can… do you want me to take a photo on your phone?”
“Sure thanks.” Charlie gushed, clearly flattered. “I don't have many photos of myself.”
“Do you want the same backdrop?” checked Nick.
“Definitely!” Charlie turned and posed and raised two fingers in the V for victory sign and smiled.
Nick leaned forward and gently angled the phone so he could get the shot. He zoomed in and took a few close upshots and then quickly zoomed out realising he had cut out the pitch in the background.
As Nick passed the phone back, Charlie shyly said, “You guys are a long way from home, aren't you?” Nick shrugged. “I love the dedication and commitment of Australian travellers. I don't think I have ever been anywhere in the world without running into some Aussies.”
“Yeah, it's been pretty hard core,” Nick replied quickly as he reeled off his recent itinerary. “We’ve been to every group game, the round of 32, 16 and quarters, and after today, win or lose, I’ve got to head back to London, while these blokes fly back home to Oz.”
“Back to London?” Charlie gasped, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.
Nick laughed. “Yeah, I live there. I’m working as a primary teacher and I need to get back before school starts again. Plus my kidneys and liver could probably use a rest from all the beer.” He winced as he gently patted his tummy.
“Oh wow, so you actually live in London.” Charlie looked as though he was trying to process this new information. “What part of London?”
“At the moment I’m in Shepherd’s Bush with all these other Aussies in a massive share house.” Nick shook his head, smiling. “It’s total chaos and absolute carnage at times, but we are having a great time, apart from when people raid my food from the shared fridge!”
Charlie’s eyes grew wide as he exclaimed, “What a small world! I live in Camden, so not far from there. But not in a big share house. I live with Isaac here, he’s a pretty decent flatmate.” Charlie thumbed to the guy sitting on his other side without losing eye contact, and Isaac lifted his head, smiled and waved, then went back to reading.
Right right, remain cool, okay, so he lives near you, like in the same country and the SAME bloody city. What are the odds of meeting your (hot) neighbor in a massive soccer stadium halfway around the world?
The sound of the crowd was building again and Nick could see throngs of people rising in a massive Mexican wave. He nodded to Charlie and they both looked at each other and stood up together in time to join the wave.
“HOORAY!!!”
They flung their hands in the air, then sat down in unison and continued the conversation, eyes locked in earnest.
“So are you on one of those working holiday visas?”
“No, actually, my dad’s French so I have a French passport, and I don't have to worry about my visa running out like my flat mates. I have no plans to return down under as there are so many places I want to see and things I want to do, like the dawn service in Gallipoli next year. What do you do, Charlie?”
“I’m a sports physio, working for a local football club, and hoping to progress to one of the English premier league clubs one day.”
“That’s so cool! We could have done with our own in-house physio when I played.” Nick nervously rubbed his thighs thinking of some of his past injuries.
Cool, okay cool, remain calm. That means he’s good with his hands and very good at massage. Chill the fuck out Nick.
Otis returned and interrupts with a large tray of drinks announcing, “HYDRATION BREAK!”
“God the game hasn't even started yet,” Christian moaned. “We are going to be so pissed.”
Otis gently and expertly passed out two beers each in large plastic tumblers, being careful not to spill a drop of the precious liquid amber.
Nick handed one of his beers to Charlie. “Would you like a beer? Gotta stay hydrated.” He winked at Charlie and started to chug his beer, then paced himself, looking at Charlie's lips taking delicate sips. Charlie happily drank the beer as another rapid crowd wave moved through the stands. They both stood and cheered and waved with one arm to protect the beers. As they sat down, Nick cheers’d and clinked Charlie's plastic cup, smiling broadly.
“Cheers Charlie, great to meet you, although be prepared for us to destroy England today.”
“Huh! I highly doubt it, we have Harry Kane.” Charlie scoffed.
“Nope, we are not taking a caning today as we have our own Harry,” Nick boasted. “And a super goalie called Beach, he is a wall of defence.”
“Actually, should you not be cheering for England as you live in London?” Charlie inquired with a cheeky wink.
“Never!” Nick feigned mock horror and clutched his chest. “How dare you suggest I betray my homeland? It’s lore that you always support your country of origin team.”
“So, should we make a friendly bet?" Charlie waggled his eyebrows, “On who we think is going to win?”
“Well, that’s obvious, we are clearly going to win.” Nick stuck his chest out.
Charlie laughed. “First time for everything Nick. Okay then, seeing as you are so confident, what’s the prize going to be for the winner of our little wager?”
Nick’s heart skipped a beat as he noted Charlie’s use of the word our, and quickly added, “Ummmm, how about whoever wins doesn’t have to buy the post match beers?” Nick stared hopefully into Charlie’s eyes, searching for a sign, and offered up his hand.
“Well that sounds like a good deal as I am feeling very thirsty!” Charlie winked.
They shook with a firm, warm handshake, staring into each other's eyes, each reluctant to break contact as they settled back in their seats, shoulders gently nestled together as the stadium filled to maximum capacity. Nick was still buzzing with multiple levels of anticipation, heightened by the beers and meeting Charlie. He was so excited to witness the match of a lifetime with Charlie and couldn't stop thinking about the potential of seeing him again afterwards, regardless of the outcome.
All the boys drained their beers and added their plastic cups to the growing beer snake cup pile being curated by their new Aussie friends Dazza and Nugget sitting in the row behind.
Finally it was game time, and there was a growing feeling of excitement and tension radiating through the stands and the volume of cheers was building as the teams prepared to enter the stadium. Nick looked at Charlie and grinned. “May the best team win.”
⚽⚽⚽
5 minutes to kick off
The stadium was humming in anticipation and the atmosphere was absolutely electric as both teams walked out to sounds of the FIFA World Cup Anthem and cheers from the crowd. The players were led out by young local players in colourful kits, and took their positions in front of their national flags that were stretched tight across the entire width of the field. The crowd was already standing, and the line of English players in their crisp white kits stared steely-eyed at the crowd while tens of thousands of voices rose to the occasion for “God Save the King.”
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious…
As the Socceroos lined up, Nick and his mates stood proudly for the Australian national anthem, arms slung over each other's shoulders to bond. They sang their hearts out for both verses.
Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free
We've golden soil and wealth for toil
Our home is girt by sea
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty, rich and rare
In history's page let every stage
Advance Australia fair
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia fair…
“Are you crying?” Charlie turned to Nick in concern when the Australian national anthem finished.
Nick, who always got a bit emotional when he heard his nation's song, wiped a tear from his cheek and looked a bit embarrassed. “Sort of, I tend to well up on these big occasions. I am very passionate and patriotic, and so proud of these boys, especially when they had to fight so hard to be here.”
“Do you need a tissue?” Charlie offered. “Or a hug?”
Nick froze and paused awkwardly. “Sure, I could do with a hug.”
Charlie leaned in and gave Nick a firm squeeze and patted him gently on the back.
Nick responded instantly to Charlie’s touch and quickly tried to change the subject while he recovered from Charlie’s beautiful warm hug. “I found your anthem so confusing, like, the last time I heard it, it was God Save the Queen.”
“Tell me about it,” Charlie rolled his eyes. “Our national anthem alone is enough to make me want to switch sides.”
“Really?”
“No, not really, but I don’t love the monarchy,” Charlie added with a shrug.
At that moment, a chorus of passionate English voices started chanting and singing loudly with their song echoing through the stadium.
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming
Football's coming home
It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming
Football's coming home…
Then the Aussie fans retaliated with a rousing rendition of Waltzing Matilda, the entire crowd on their feet, united with passion.
Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda
You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me
And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled
You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me…
Nick was beaming with pride and nostalgia. This is why he loved supporting Australian sports at the international level. He loved the world coming together in the one place, everyone being friendly and inclusive, despite playing competitively on the world stage.
“This is what it’s all about, Charlie,” Nick sighed. “I know it's a competition, but if we can celebrate and sing in the stands with the Turkiye fans, then watch the New Zealand versus Iran game on a big screen in a Greek pub in Vancouver, and celebrate the Iran and Qatar draw, surely the world can be a better, more peaceful place?”
“Wow Nick, that is the sappiest thing I have ever heard anyone say at a football match!” Charlie said, unable to hide his smile. “You will not be so nice when we beat you,” He teased lightly as he nudged his shoulder into Nick’s.
🥅🥅🥅
Kick Off
The starting whistle signalled the game was on and the crowd, charged with anticipation responded with a thunderous roar. The Socceroos set up in a 3-2-5 defensive formation with number 19 Harry Souttar in the centre-back position. England had won the toss and had the first kick off. Kane passed back to Jude Bellingham, who was taken down in a hard slide-tackle by young Jordy Bos. The gasps and oooohhs from the crowd were palpable, but the referee ruled no penalty, and they played on! A free kick turned into a good run and then a quick pass to left wing Mo Toure, who booted it towards the goal mouth, looking for the two-metre-tall Souttar, who turned and headed it towards the top post in his signature move.
🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺GOAL! 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
The digital boards around the stadium lit up with the words AUSTRALIA and GOAL spinning around on repeat.
It was actually an own-goal, off Reece James’ head as he attempted to clear it, but knocked it into the back of the net. A complete cock-up, but the Socceroos took it and had an early 1 - 0 lead after only seven minutes of play. The English crowd were shocked and started booing and leering while the Australian fans went off like a frog in a sock.
As the crowd cheered and clapped, Nick jumped up and down, and without thinking, grabbed onto Charlie’s arm in excitement. When he realised what he was doing, he let go immediately and said “Sorry!”
“Nick, it’s fine, no sorries today,” Charlie said. “And I’m happy to help you maintain your balance if you guys manage to score again.”
Nick’s mouth gaped at Charlie, speechless.
Charlie 1 - Nick 0
Australia 1 - England 0
🦘
Emboldened by the positive start, The Socceroos kept the majority of possession deep in England's own half. After the frantic pace of the first 15 minutes, Australia deliberately slowed their play with controlled passing and full use of the space, constantly looking for opportunities.
England's Kobbie Mainoo intercepted a pass from Anthony Gordon and ran into open space on the right wing, while Kane and Rashford ran up through the centre in support. The cross was beautifully struck and Rashford got the ball on the first touch, blasting it into the top left corner with a brilliant left boot! He had made no mistake to put his side level, and they all jumped into a team huddle and celebrated like they had won the whole cup!
🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴GOAL! 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
The English crowd went into a frenzy of shared euphoria and the Aussies stared in stunned silence as the tension started to build. Charlie and even Isaac celebrated enthusiastically, with Charlie joining the long, slow chants of ENG-GAR-LAND, ENG-GAR-LAND, trying to be heard amid the sea of green and gold supporters attempting to drown them out. He gave Nick a cheeky look as he cheered and waved his arms in the air, causing his England T-shirt to rise up and expose his toned stomach every time he moved. Nick’s own stomach started doing a few nervous flips at the gorgeous sight; he was utterly distracted and totally captivated.
Charlie 2 - Nick 0
Australia 1 - England 1
🦘 - 🦁
The players left the field for their short hydration break and the boys took a moment to buy more beers before the half time surge at the bars. Both sides of the crowd had started to sing a very robust version of Sweet Caroline.
“Oh this is one of my favourite sing-a-long songs," gushed Nick as he started dancing and gesturing along to the words.
Hands
Touchin' hands
Reachin' out
Touchin' me, touchin' you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good…
Swaying with his arm slung casually over Charlie's shoulder, Nick made his other fist into a microphone, and swapped it between his face and Charlie’s while they danced and sang and added in all the extra words.
“Sweet Caroline…” Nick pointed the ‘mic’ towards Charlie’s lips and they both yelled “bom bom bom” grinning like idiots.
Good times never seemed so good
“So good - so good!” they shouted in unison.
Nick’s mates, huddled together singing, started waving as they realised they were all being displayed on the big screen together, all smiling and swaying and shouting with massive grins.
Otis, suddenly noticing Charlie, gasped loudly, “Nick, stop flirting with the opposition!”
With a panicked look in his eyes Nick snapped back, “Shut it guys.” He continued through gritted teeth, “I’m not flirting!”
“Bullshit!” Otis coughed into his hand.
The crowd went off again as the players ran back to the field. They made a double change not long after the hydration break as Australia sought a winning shot, and Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato were introduced to thunderous applause.
Wing-back Jordy Bos injured his knee after a dangerous tackle just before half time and was stretchered off, but no penalty was awarded. The instant replay on the big screen caused the Australians to boo the referee’s decision.
Christian pulled out his handmade yellow card, and waved it above his head and the Aussies cheered in support.
“Shoulda been a yellow card!” he shouted.
Half Time Score Australia 1 - England 1
🦘 - 🦁
The crowd were back on their feet again with waves of applause and shouts for the kick off. Ten minutes into the second half, Christian Volpato ran through the English midfield in clear space, spun past some weak English defence and found Nestory Irankunda.
The noise of the crowd from both sides was deafening and everyone stood shoulder to shoulder supported by a tidal wave of emotion. As the row moved and surged, and more Mexican waves spread around the stadium, Nick placed his arm on Charlie’s back to steady him and Charlie didn’t move away. Nestory moved with swift pace and beautiful footwork right to the edge of the box, and he booted it low and hard under the keeper's legs to take the Socceroos to 2-1 in the 57th minute!
🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺GOAL! 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
The digital boards around every level light up again, with the words AUSTRALIA and GOAL whirling around the stadium.
Nick kept his hand on Charlie's back while everyone celebrated and they got showered in beer from the Dazza and the Aussie boys celebrating behind them. Charlie’s shirt got soaked, and suddenly they were both laughing together as Nick managed to escape most of the deluge. They stared at each other while warm beer dripped from Charlie's curls and Nick said, “Geez Charlie, I would offer to swap shirts with you, but I don't think yours would fit me unless you want to see me in a crop top?”
Charlie's eyes lit up with Nick’s kind offer.
Charlie 2 - Nick 1
“It's okay Nick, I can dry myself with my flag. I am going to stink like beer for the rest of the day though.”
Christian returned from the toilets moaning, “I knew that would happen! As soon as I left to take a slash, I just knew that we would score!”
Sai encouraged Christian: “Better drink more and piss some more mate, so we score again! You are a good luck charm now.”
Australia 2 - England 1
🦘🦘 - 🦁
England cranked up the pressure as they looked for a way back into the contest, with Bukayo Saka causing problems for the Socceroos’ defence down the right wing. Saka created a chance for Jude Bellingham, whose shot was bravely blocked off the line by Melbourne City’s Aziz Behich.
But Bellingham crossed high into the box and Harry Kane headed it home from close range to level things up at 2-2!
🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴GOAL! 🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
Once again the English fans erupted with sheer enthusiasm and chants of Ole Ole Ole. Flags were flying and scarves and banners were spinning as the crowd waved everything they could.
Australia 2 - England 2
🦘🦘 - 🦁🦁
The English supporters paid homage to Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham by singing Hey Jude, and the whole crowd joined together like one big community.
Hey Jude, don't make it bad.
Take a sad song and make it better.
Remember to let her under your skin,
Then you'll begin to make it
Better better better better better better, oh.
Na na na nananana, nananana, hey Jude…
Nick linked arms with Charlie and they sang along together, completely out of tune and very, very loudly, but Nick loved every minute.
Charlie leaned over and asked, “Still thinking you are going to win?”
Nick looked at Charlie and gulped, “I'm too stressed now to make any more predictions.”
“What, are you scared now?” Charlie teased.
Nick looked at Charlie. “No, no, I’m just a bit distracted”–he said while looking at Charlie’s lips–” and I can't concentrate anymore.”
Charlie 2 - Nick 2
The tension in the crowd was palpable at the two goals scored quite quickly after the half time break. Irankunda’s speedy boots broke through for the Socceroos in the 87th minute with a low shot on goal while pursued by three defenders. The noise of the Aussie crowd willed the striker to succeed, but the shot on goal was saved with a spectacular dive by the English goal keeper.
The collective sighs and groans from both sides highlighted their frustrations. The last few minutes before full time were so tense as both teams tried desperately to break the deadlock. The Socceroos set up their strong wall of defence, while England had a barrage of set pieces late in regulation time. One of the drives, resulting in a header from Harry Kane, looked destined to find the back of the net. Instead, with lightning quick reflexes, Goalkeeper Patrick Beach pulled out a phenomenal save off the top bar with his long arms, and kept the Socceroos in the game with the score still level.
“Yes!!!” screamed Otis. “The purple Wiggle saves the day!”
90:00 Minutes Australia 2 - England 2
🦘🦘 - 🦁🦁
Nick looked at the scoreboard and groaned as seven minutes of stoppage time was added.
“This is going to be the longest seven minutes of my life.”
Christian looked panicked. “We have to score, I don't think my heart rate can handle a penalty shoot out.”
Nick agreed, “Yeah for sure, a penalty shoot out would be a cruel way to go down.”
Neither team really had a strong scoring opportunity in the first few minutes of stoppage time at Dallas Stadium, as they both tried to play it safe. It was so tense and every time the ball moved towards a goal, it felt like the whole stadium collectively held its breath. There was so much pressure on both teams that it felt like the weight of the world was on their shoulders.
The Aussie fans started cheering “Come on, boys!”
Come on Aussie come on, come on
Come on Aussie come on, come on…
The Socceroos were attacking and pushing one last time for a late winner before the full time whistle. Socceroos winger Mathew Leckie drove down the right side and fired a long cross into the box. English defender Ezri Konsa defended the shot and lunged, but deflected the ball behind the goal line, and the Socceroos were awarded a corner kick.
“It's a corner!!!” Christian screamed.
“It’s a fucking corner with one minute of stoppage to go!” yelled Otis, punching his arm into the air.
“Oh my god boys, here we go!” Sai beamed.
“Yes, it's on! Come on, boys!” Nick crossed his fingers and made a silent request to his soccer gods upstairs.
Nick looked at Charlie, hands over his mouth, and held his breath, eyes wide with sheer terror.
Jackson Irvine jogged over to the corner while the crowd screamed in anticipation. He stood in front of the right corner flag while the Socceroo attackers jostled for a good position inside the box, in constant motion against the desperate English defenders.
English fans covered their eyes, and an eerie silence hung over the crowd. As they waited with bated breath, Nick reached for Charlie's hand, and he didn't pull back. Nick knew this was a big chance, the chance for a goal from the corner kick, and maybe the chance for more with Charlie.
“Hey Charlie," Nick said nervously while looking dead ahead. “Maybe we can stop pretending that today is only about soccer?”
“You mean football?”
Nick shrugged, “You know what I mean.”
He turned to look directly at Charlie. “I have had a great time with you today, and I was kinda hoping you might feel the same?”
Charlie couldn't answer straight away, but then found his words. “I didn't think this is how my day would turn out,” he confessed. “I was expecting a thrilling but potentially stressful football match, but I ended up being swept off my feet.”
Before Nick could react, they were interrupted by loud cheers, as the referee checked the positions and the holding inside the box before blowing the whistle to allow the corner kick.
Nick gave Charlie’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“Oh, here we go, I can’t watch.” Nick turned his head and rested it on Charlie's shoulder and took a deep breath.
Christian was watching through his fingers, Sai was biting his nails, and Otis was bouncing nervously on his feet.
Irvine paused, then struck the ball with his right boot, bending it towards the box. It sailed high enough to clear Reece James and then Harry Souttar leapt up and headed the ball towards the far post. The English goalkeeper moved instinctively, but his reach was too short and the ball slammed into the net.
Even before the ball had nestled into the back of the net, the crowd went wild and the Australian fans went into a frenzy. The Socceroos all piled on top of Harry Soutter, celebrating the amazing last minute goal. The groans of disappointment from the English fans were drowned out by intense scenes of jubilation from the green and gold army across the stadium. The joyful celebrations were being displayed on all the big screens, and the digital boards flashed the words GOAL!
🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺GOAL! 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Australia 3 - England 2
🦘🦘🦘 - 🦁🦁
The referee called time and blew his final whistle. Australia had won the match, and for the first time in the history of the World Cup, they would progress to the finals. England would not be bringing the cup home.
The result unleashed a deafening roar of exuberance and passion as Nick's mates took off their shirts and whipped them around their heads. The sea of yellow shirts, scarves, and inflatable kangaroos swirled above their heads, and transformed the stadium into a golden wave of celebration. Flares started going off on the lower decks, creating clouds of yellow and green smoke. This sweet, sweet victory unleashed joy, as well as relief, as they shared their win with friends and strangers alike. The beer snake cups were flung in the air, and rounds of Aussie Aussie Aussie took off, Nick's ears ringing with all the noise and excitement.
“Whoooooo hooooooooo!!” he screamed. “Yew! We did it. We actually fucking did it!!!”
Nick pumped his arms in the air and jumped up and down as he screamed, whooped and cheered. He was so excited that he wrapped his arms around Charlie and picked him up and swirled him around with utter joy. Then he hesitated and quickly placed Charlie back down, biting his lower lip nervously. But Charlie didn't back away like he expected, and instead, wrapped his arms around Nick’s neck, looking at him like he was the prize. Without hesitation, Nick dived in and kissed Charlie with a wave of pent up passion. They connected lips and explored with tongues, kissing so hard it felt like the world stopped spinning and nothing else mattered. At the same time as Nick’s heart was exploding with joy, sparkly streamers exploded from cannons and dropped from the roof, creating glitter rain all over them. If this was what kissing Charlie felt like, Nick was pretty sure he never wanted it to stop.
The noise and frenetic activity of the stadium was instantly silenced and all Nick could focus on was kissing Charlie, and Charlie was fervently kissing him back. Nick had never felt a kiss like this, let alone a first kiss. His heart was beating so fast he was sure Charlie could feel it, and his tummy was flipping over and over in delicious summersaults. He gripped Charlie tighter and tighter, pulling him closer and running his fingertips through Charlie's gorgeous curls. As they explored each other's lips and mouths with their tongues, the screaming and cheering continued around them. But then something happened as they continued passionately making out in the crowd.
The cheers for the Socceroos turned into celebratory cheers for the two of them as their friends and other people around them took notice. Complete strangers were cheering for them and slapping Nick on the back. As they kissed Nick could hear a combination of;
“Go for gold, Nick!”
“Yes mate!”
“Get it, Nick!”
“Can’t believe you had to travel half way round the world just for a pash!”
Nick pulled back and lingered for a moment, resting his forehead softly against Charlie's. He looked at him with a dazed, lovestruck smile and couldn't believe this feeling was real.
Charlie let out a little giggle. “Happy with the result, then?” he teased with a cheeky smile.
Nick hummed softly, “I have never been happier.” His expression melted as he stared at Charlie and pulled him as close as he could.
“So…” Charlie gently checked, “Are you still going back to London?”
Nick reached up and gently brushed his thumb across Charlie's cheekbone, and his smile widened. “I plan on staying there forever…”
Charlie 2 - Nick 3
❤️⚽💛⚽💚
Aussie Glossary and Info
Akubra = An Akubra is an iconic, wide-brimmed Australian bush hat crafted from 100% rabbit fur felt. Known for their durability, water resistance, and sun protection, they are deeply synonymous with Australian outback culture and are worn by farmers, stockmen, and outdoor adventurers worldwide. Some hats (not just akubras), can be fitted with wine corks on strings to keep the flies out of your face.
Beer Snake = A beer snake is a chain-like structure created by spectators at live sporting events, built by interlocking dozens or even thousands of empty plastic beer cups. Fans pass their disposable cups down through the rows to slowly construct a long, winding, serpentine shape that stretches across the stadium.
Boxing Kangaroo = Male kangaroos fight for dominance and actually “box” each other hence the name. For Australian sports, the boxing kangaroo represents the fighting spirit, determination and resilience and it is synonymous with Australia’s spirit of never giving up. The Boxing Kangaroo rose to prominence in 1983 when the Australia II team won the America’s Cup after it was held by the US for 132 years. It was a famous victory and the crew raised a boxing kangaroo flag to celebrate. The Australian athletes carried a boxing kangaroo plush mascot into the stadium for the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Gallipoli = Australian and New Zealand troops fought a tragic military defeat during the first World War on a beach in Türkiye called Gallipoli. The significance of the WWI campaign is deeply embedded in the Australian psyche and is commemorated every year on April 25. Known as Anzac Day, it has evolved into one of the nation's most important national occasions to honor the sacrifice of all Australian service men and women. Thousands of Australians travel to Gallipoli every year to pay their respects and honor the 8000 soldiers who lost their lives.
Mate = good friend
Mexican Wave = A wave is a mass-participation crowd activity in large stadiums where successive sections of the crowd stand up, cheers, raise their arms, and sit down again. This creates a rippling "wave" of movement that travels across the seating areas and repeats. Apparently this is just known as a “wave” in the US which is where it originated. According to Google, after the FIFA World Cup in Mexico in 1986, global audiences saw the wave being performed and started calling it a Mexican wave.
Football = There are 4 different football codes in Australia. Rugby Union, Rugby League, Australian Rules Football (AFL) and traditional football is called soccer to avoid confusion with the other codes.
Nah = no
Pash = A pash is Aussie slang for kissing - shortened form of passionate kissing - like making out (with tongue).
Shoey = An Australian "shoey" is a celebratory drinking ritual where a beverage (normally beer), is poured directly into a shoe and chugged. Check the Shoeylink which depicts a shoey as well as a beer snake.
Spew = vomit
The Wiggles = The Wiggles are an Australian children's music group formed in Sydney, Australia in 1991. The Wiggles are famous worldwide for their iconic, colour-coded skivvies, a clever costuming trick adopted in the early 1990s to help young children easily identify each member. As soon as I saw Beachy, I thought he looked like a purple Wiggle! (Sorry)
To go off like a frog in a sock = a state of high energy, excitement, or frantic activity.
