LAUNCESTON'S Alan Eadie will join 1500 Australian soccer fanatics at the World Cup in Brazil on June 9, three days out from the start of the world's biggest sporting event.
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The former Devonport City striker said he was looking forward to being part of the atmosphere of the event, after experiencing the last World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
"I'd never seen anything like it," he said.
"There were tourists everywhere.
"They got police to close roads so we (the Fanatics) could march down them, it was phenomenal."
At this World Cup, Australia faces an uphill battle after being drawn in Group B alongside champions Spain, the Netherlands and Chile.
"It's gonna be tough, but I think people will be surprised with how we play," Mr Eadie said.
"A result will be hard to get, but if we did get a win, it would be great."
The 33-year-old, who played senior soccer for 15 years before retiring in 2010 with hamstring and knee injuries, said he was looking forward to seeing the Spanish team play, which features the likes of English Premier League players Fernando Torres, Juan Mata and Jesus Navas.
Last Thursdaythe Socceroos were the first team to arrive in Brazil for the event.
The team is based in the beachside city of Vitoria, about 300 kilometres north- east of Rio.
On Sunday, The Examiner will publish an eight-page guide to the World Cup featuring an analysis of the Socceroos' hopes, a look at the powerhouses likely to win the tournament and an office sweep for the 32 teams involved.
