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AAP
AAP
Politics
Samantha Lock

Socceroos fans downhearted but well behaved, say police

Fans around Australia have braved a chilly winter's morning to watch the Socceroos take on Egypt. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

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.

Flares are set off at a World Cup live site in Sydney
Flares were set off at live sites screening the World Cup clash in Sydney and Melbourne. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

World Cuplive site Melbourne
More than 7000 fans packed into the live site at Federation Square in Melbourne. (Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

Socceroos fans
The game came down to a nail-biting penalty shootout, with Egypt prevailing 4-2. (Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

SOcceroos fans
Flares were set off at Tumbalong Park as fans celebrated a Socceroos goal during the match. (Sitthixay Ditthavong/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

Bar manager Giuseppe Lacaua
Bar manager Giuseppe Lacaua welcomed Socceroos fans for a watch party at Melbourne's Hickens Hotel. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

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